Results 2,141-2,160 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Government policy on tackling the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The overall objective of the Strategy is to continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The Strategy is a cross cutting area of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Projects Funding (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: On 12 October 2016, I announced the allocation of an additional €3m in the 2017 Budget to increase support for interventions aimed at improving the health outcomes of the most vulnerable in our society, including Traveller and Roma communities, and those affected by addiction issues. The additional funding will be used to address my key priorities in 2017, which include...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. The Mid West Drugs and Alcohol Task Force/Forum is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Limerick City. The table below shows the funding for the Drug and Alcohol Forum from 2009 to 2016. It...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Funding (8 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Funding of an organisation that provides professional services to support distressed families and individuals at risk of losing their family home would not fall to be considered by this Department in the context of funding of health services for homeless people. Health service funding is aimed at improving health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, particularly those with complex...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy Crowe for raising the issue of the challenges faced by drug and alcohol task forces throughout the country. As the Deputy is aware, problem drug use continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing our country and it has become more complex than ever, with a wider range of drugs being abused. In line with the national drugs strategy, the Government is committed...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I agree with Deputy Crowe on a number of points. I am concerned about what is happening on the ground in terms of intimidation and the targeting of young people. They are being sucked into it and being made runners. Deputy Crowe is correct when he says they are as young as ten or 12 years of age. I have seen it myself. There are real issues on the ground that have to be addressed. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update On Health Issues: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I have little to add to what the Minister has already stated. I know that the private Members' Bill will be examined by the committee in November. It will also be examined by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice. This does not concern the medical use of cannabis, but during the week I launched a report on the prevalence of drug use and gambling in Ireland, including...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Homeless Persons Supports (15 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together. Over €30m in HSE funding is used, on an annual basis, to provide targeted interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for homeless persons, who are more likely to experience health inequalities and difficulties in accessing services and present with multiple, complex health and support needs. Additional funding of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes Availability (15 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: As the specific issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to him.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (15 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and in coordinating action at local level, so that there is a targeted response to the problem of substance misuse in local communities. ...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who is dealing with legislation in the Seanad. I have been asked to relay his reply to the Deputy. I have taken a note of the points the Deputy has made. The Department does not hold the data requested by the Deputy. It is a matter for each local authority to be satisfied that it has sufficient lands zoned to meet its overall...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Unfortunately, I cannot answer on behalf of the Minister in respect of Deputy Munster's question on funding. However, I can inform her that the Rebuilding Ireland programme clearly identifies that the local authorities will play a significant role in developing social housing right across the country. The local authorities have been identified and asked to make sites known - where these...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am coming to that. I cannot answer the specific question on the landbanks for Deputy Munster because I do not have that information. However, I will-----

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I do not have a specific answer in respect of that matter.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: There is. I agree with the Deputy that there is probably more clarification needed on the question.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am sorry I cannot give the answer to Deputy Munster. What I can tell her is that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has committed €3.5 billion for housing across the country and all of the local authorities have been contacted in respect of the different lands and sites that can be used for the building of social and affordable housing. I promise Deputy Munster I will go directly...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (17 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: My Department has responsibility for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017, the aim of which is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. The programme aims to improve the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Community (17 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 200, inclusive, together. A review of the role and functionality of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee (THAC) took place in 2013. The review found that the transfer of the health budget to the HSE in 2006 resulted in significant changes to the functioning of the THAC and that the original purpose and focus of the Committee had changed. The...