Results 2,801-2,820 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Written Answers — Department of Health: Advertising Regulation (20 Feb 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 to 397, inclusive, together. This is a matter for the HSE therefore I have referred the question to the HSE for attention and direct reply. The national Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) was approved by the Government in 2016. The OPAP recommended that a code of practice for food and beverages promotion, marketing and sponsorship be developed,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Vaccination Programme (21 Feb 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The Health Service Executive continues to experience on going delays with the supply of BCG vaccine.  BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and as of today this continues to be a problem for Ireland and other countries in Europe that use this licensed BCG vaccine.  Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in...

Project Ireland 2040: Statements (Resumed) (22 Feb 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I welcome Project Ireland 2040, which was launched by the Taoiseach on Friday last. For me, in reading the document, the following foreword said it all: "We now have the opportunity to shape a new model of the physical development of our country which can drive substantial progress in economic, social and environmental terms as an island in a European and in a global context." This line sums...

Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed) (6 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Members for their contributions to the debate and I look forward to their support for the Bill and their further consideration on Committee Stage. I also thank the staff in the Department of Health and the ladies beside me for the work they have put into the Bill. There is indisputable evidence that alcohol and the abuse of alcohol significantly and negatively impacts on lives....

Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Referral to Select Committee (6 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I move:That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Health pursuant to Standing Orders 84A(3)(a) and 149(1).

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Data (8 Mar 2018)

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: Gender Recognition (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 425, 426, 428 and 430 together. Transgender-specific guidelines have been developed by WPATH, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the Endocrine Society, that updated its guidelines in 2017. These guidelines were devised by experts in transgender healthcare, along with members of the International Transgender, Transsexual and LGBT...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Asylum Support Services (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I have had no correspondence with either the Minister for Justice and Equality or the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) regarding a proposed Direct Provision centre in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare. I understand that the HSE are actively engaged with the Department of Justice and Equality and RIA to provide the necessary health care resources and supports to those living in Direct...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Internet Safety (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: Section 10 of the Codes of Practice concerned provide that the Codes will be monitored for compliance and effectiveness by a monitoring body designated by the Minister for Health; and that it will be free to decide on its operational methods. The engagement referred to by the Deputy will be considered as the monitoring body evolves, in the context of any overlap that may arise in its work...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Gender Recognition (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: Transgender-specific guidelines have been developed by WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) and the Endocrine Society (who updated their guidelines in 2017). These guidelines were devised by experts in transgender healthcare, along with members of the International Transgender, Transsexual and LGBT community. A proposed model of care for transgender children,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Local Drugs Task Forces (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: 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. Every effort has been made to protect the budgets of Drug and Alcohol Task Forces in recent years.  In excess of €27.6m has been...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Provision (20 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: Transgender-specific guidelines have been developed by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the Endocrine Society.  These guidelines were devised by experts in transgender healthcare, along with members of the International Transgender, Transsexual and LGBT community. International best practice for transgender children, adolescents and adults...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (22 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: On behalf of my ministerial colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, I thank Senator Buttimer for raising this important issue. I am informed by the HSE Cork Kerry community healthcare that it is aware of the case and that there has been ongoing engagement with the individual and his family since 2016. This Government's ongoing priority is to...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Autism Support Services (22 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I will comment on Senator Buttimer's request for joined-up thinking. All of us who are in public life are very familiar with people who are caught up in a system where the system does not seem to respond quickly enough for them thereby causing distress for the individual and the family. I will bring the Senator's message to the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. Let me assure the...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Accommodation Provision (22 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. While acknowledging the need for productivity improvements and reforms across the health service, the recently-published health service capacity review outlines that in order to reach international standards of bed occupancy levels, the acute hospital system needs additional...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Accommodation Provision (22 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I have noted the matters raised by the Senator and I understand his frustration. I assure him that we all want to make sure that we can get modular beds into units such as this as soon as possible. I will stress to the Minister the necessity for him to contact the Senator about this matter because I do not know how long construction will take. I will certainly relay to the Minister the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (27 Mar 2018)

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: Public Health Policy (27 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: While there are currently no specific public health guidelines in relation to the maximum hours that children should spend playing computer games, some general guidance is provided by the HSE and others to parents on this issue. This includes general guidance given through the new public awareness campaign promoting healthy weight in children called START. This campaign was developed by my...

HPV Vaccine: Motion [Private Members] (28 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, and myself I thank all those who contributed to the debate on this motion. I also thank Deputy Alan Kelly for bringing this very important motion to the floor. As a mother and grandparent I am very conscious of the fact that I have four daughters, four granddaughters and two grandsons. I want what every parent and grandparent wants, to make sure...

HPV Vaccine: Motion [Private Members] (28 Mar 2018)

Catherine Byrne: May I speak on the motion?