Results 32,481-32,500 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Emergency Services Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: The hospital system is currently operating at close to full capacity. The number of patients attending Emergency Departments continues to increase year on year. HSE figures show that for the first ten months of 2019, the number of patients attending Emergency Departments nationally increased by 2.7% while the number of attendances of patients over the age of 75 increased by 3.3% compared to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Ambulance Service Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Waiting Lists Data (5 Dec 2019)

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: Primary Care Centres Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Primary Care Centres Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Audiology Services Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Waiting Lists (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Waiting Lists (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Waiting Lists Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 262, inclusive, together. The HSE advises that a pilot project commenced in 2016 by the HSE Acute Hospitals Division to progress the collection of national radiology waiting list data. The project has been supported by the Radiology Clinical Care Programme and has involved key stakeholders across the system including the National NIMIS Team, Hospital...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Staff Data (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: The numbers that the Deputy is looking for are available publicly within the Health Service Employment Report that the HSE publish online on a monthly basis. I am including the link for the Deputy's information. According to that document (page 2), at end October 2019 the HSE report 25,283 WTE Staff Nurse/Midwives, which is an increase of +83 WTEs compared to the previous month, or an...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff Remuneration (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: The WRC agreement reached in October 2018 in relation to pay restoration for section 39 organisations provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 ‘pilot organisations’ in the first instance. Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April of this year with further payments due in 2020 and 2021 as appropriate. The WRC agreement also states: “It is recognised that...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Physiotherapy Provision (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Training (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: As GP training is currently the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, I have arranged for this question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Eligibility (5 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Health Service Executive (HSE) issues income guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to medical cards/GP visit cards. Any revision to the income thresholds must have regard for Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price...

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2019: Order for Report Stage (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: I move: "That Report Stage be taken now."

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Naughten for bringing forward this amendment. I will not be able to support it at this Stage but I will explain what action I intend to take following on from his request. First, it is Government policy and the policy of the Oireachtas to drive more patient traffic through the smaller hospitals. It makes sense to fully utilise our hospitals. I visited Roscommon hospital...

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: Deputy Naughten also raised the matter he has just spoken about at length on Committee Stage, when my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, took the debate on my behalf. My officials were in a degree of provisional contact with Deputy Naughten in this regard. My officials have also consulted with colleagues in the Health Insurance Authority and with the Department's internal legal...

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Naughten for the constructive way in which he has engaged on this matter. We do listen in this House when good suggestions come forward such as that on the minor injury units. We will have that statutory instrument formalised in the coming days. It is currently with the drafters. I hope to be in a position to sign it by next week. On the reviewing of the regulations, I...

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2019: Report and Final Stages (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: It might be Deputy Naughten.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Community Pharmacy Services (10 Dec 2019)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 305, 341, 343, 344, 347, 379, 382, 413 and 450 together. I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of health service reform and modernisation. Community pharmacy is recognised as the most accessible element of our health service with an...