Results 2,281-2,300 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Topical Issue Debate: Psychological Services (22 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I can explain. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, was admitted to hospital suddenly last night and cannot be here today.

Topical Issue Debate: Psychological Services (22 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: It is unfortunate the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, cannot be here but she was taken ill suddenly last night. She has been released from hospital and is at home. The Government has been strongly committed to improving all aspects of mental health services since 2012. 4 o’clock Approximately €140 million has been added to the HSE mental health budget, which now...

Topical Issue Debate: Psychological Services (22 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: Unfortunately, I will not be able to answer some of the specific questions that have been asked. I was just asked to take the Topical Issue. I know this is not helpful to all the Deputies here. I do, however, want to make a few points. I have not spoken with the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, or the HSE on this matter but I will ensure that if the service has to close, everything...

Topical Issue Debate: Psychological Services (22 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will request that. Unfortunately, the circumstances that arose last night were not foreseen.

Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017: Order for Second Stage (23 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I move: "That Second Stage be taken now."

Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017: Second Stage (23 Feb 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2017 to the House. This is an issue that is very close to my heart. Like many Deputies, I have worked tirelessly for many years in my local community. I have seen at first hand the destructive power of drugs and drug addiction. I have seen what it...

Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Reimbursement (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, who sends his apologies for not being here. I thank Deputy Brassil for raising the issue. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013....

Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Reimbursement (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will convey the Deputy's concerns to the Minister. As I outlined in the reply, the Minister has no control over how drugs are given out on a compassionate scheme basis. That is a matter for the company in question. I agree with the Deputy that people are suffering as a consequence of being denied access to this lifesaving drug. However, the manufacturers have a responsibility to their...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Local Authority Rates (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Senator for raising this matter. Unfortunately, the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, is before the Select Committee on Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and I will be taking this matter on his behalf. Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: On behalf of Minister Harris, I thank the Senator for raising this issue. With respect to Galway orthopaedic services, trauma services are provided in University Hospital Galway and elective cases are treated at Merlin Park University Hospital.The most recent NTPF figures indicate there are 796 patients waiting for orthopaedic inpatient or day-case treatment in Galway University Hospital....

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I have taken down some notes.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: We all have personal stories of cases we find in our work as public representatives to relate to the Minister. Deep compassion and support for such families is needed at a time when people are suffering because of what has happened to them, particularly when they are waiting for appointments and surgery. I will pass on the details of the individual the Senator mentioned to the Minister and...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: HIQA Reports (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: On behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, I thank Senator Swanick for raising this important issue. The Government’s ongoing priority is the safeguarding of vulnerable people in the care of the health service. Regulation and inspection of residential centres for people with disabilities was placed on a statutory footing in November 2013 and compliance with HIQA...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: HIQA Reports (1 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will pass on the information to the Minister.

Topical Issue Debate: Addiction Treatment Services (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: The Health Service Executive has provided the Department with an update regarding the funding for the appointment of two clinical nurses for the Finglas Addiction Support Team through the Community Alcohol Response and Engagement, CARE, initiative. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the general manager for social inclusion and addiction in the Dublin north city has approved this...

Topical Issue Debate: Addiction Treatment Services (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I certainly will follow-up on the recruitment dates and any other information the Deputy thinks might be necessary to move staff into place. I will do that as soon as tomorrow.

Topical Issue Debate: Addiction Treatment Services (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: We will see.

Topical Issue Debate: Occupational Therapy (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I do not know about pleasing.

Topical Issue Debate: Occupational Therapy (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will try my best. I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, who unfortunately cannot be here this evening. A Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a decisive shift within the health service towards primary care in order to deliver better care close to home in communities across the country. Community occupational therapy is a...

Topical Issue Debate: Occupational Therapy (2 Mar 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I cannot remember the question the Deputy asked at the start but my answer would be "No". He spoke about the difference between people living in Tallaght and Clondalkin in terms of the length of time it takes for them to be assessed by occupational therapists. I will not disagree with the Deputy because I am dealing with that problem in my own constituency where people have to wait a long...