Results 24,381-24,400 of 46,232 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cross-Border Health Services Provision (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The HSE operates the Cross Border Directive in Ireland. Patients in Ireland can seek to be referred to another EU/EEA country for medical treatment that is available in the public health service in Ireland. The patient may access the overseas service in either the public or private health sector of the country they choose to receive the service in.  The patient pays for the treatment...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Staff Data (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 384, inclusive, together. The ratio of males to females employed in my Department is 1 : 1.44. The breakdown by gender and grade is detailed below: Grade Male Female Total Secretary General 1 0 1 Deputy Secretary 3 1 4 Assistant Secretary 3 4 7 Director 1 0 1 Principal Officer & Equivalents 19 32 51 Assistant Principal...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Transport (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Forums (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Safety Agency Establishment (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The Department of Health has been engaged in the development of policy in relation to the areas of Patient Safety, Complaints and Advocacy for a considerable period of time. Notably, the Government approved in December 2015 the establishment of a new National Patient Safety Office to bring forward legislation and provide the policy lead for patient safety. Patient Safety Complaints and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Appointments to State Boards (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: All appointments made by me comply with the legislation in place and/or are made in line with Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The basis for the nomination of members to the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is usually set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Primary Care Centres (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities. The Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy with the particular information raised in this question.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I think the first thing we have to do when speaking about this issue is to speak in a sensitive manner. I am not suggesting that colleagues to date have not done that but obviously there are people watching this debate who have a disability, or are the parents of children with a disability. During the course of the referendum campaign it caused me significant concern that there was an...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: People thought about it very carefully and they thought about it long and hard. It was not an easy decision for many people. They teased through the 12 weeks and why it was set at 12 weeks and this was a big feature of that referendum debate as well. We as a people have decided on repealing the eighth amendment in the knowledge that if we do so, the Government will bring forward...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I am not going to do a back and forth response like what it would be if I were in a courtroom but I will answer that question. When a pregnant woman goes to her GP in early pregnancy, that pregnant woman often has not obtained any information on the sex or race of her child. What the legislation is endeavouring to do is to trust the woman to make the decisions that are best for her and her...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I do not.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: It does.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I do not need to twist it.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Senator Mullen is twisting it.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: No.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank the Senators for putting down these amendments on what is an area that was debated extensively at the Oireachtas committee where many different views were expressed and different testimony heard. It was debated extensively also during the referendum campaign and in the other House. I will start by outlining the importance of making sure that people who are being referred to in the...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I will not be provoked during this debate but I will not sit here and be neglectful in my duties as the health Minister. I am perfectly entitled and, indeed, duty-bound to have a view on the delivery of health services in this country-----

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: -----that we fund on behalf of the taxpayers, staff whom we pay and facilities that we support. It is entirely appropriate for me to step up to the plate in ensuring there are free, safe and legal services available for women with a crisis pregnancy. While Senator Mullen and I are on our Christmas holidays, we will not be in crisis with a pregnancy. Our bodies will not be in crisis, God...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The Senator put up posters about the legislation. His entire campaign was based on the premise of the legislation. I refer to the period of 12 weeks. Throughout the country he debated this. He worked extremely hard for his campaign on the content of the legislation, as did I, and now here we are.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I am being criticised for doing what I promised to do.