Results 4,121-4,140 of 6,055 for speaker:Frank Feighan

Written Answers — Department of Health: Alcohol Treatment Services (21 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: The national drugs, strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, provides an integrated public health approach to drugs and alcohol use. The Department is developing a new education and prevention funding scheme which will be launched towards the end 2020. This scheme will include the use of evidence-based approaches to mobilising community action on alcohol. I want...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (22 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together. Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This new funding is separate to that previously allocated in 2019. It is my intention that the new resources...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (22 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: The Department of Health has published guidance for the continued operation of drug and alcohol support groups and programmes in a Covid-19 environment. In line with the National Framework for living with Covid-19, the guidance has been developed to ensure these groups can operate safely, including at levels 3 and 4 of the framework. The Department is consulting with the...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (23 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Acting Chairman. It is great to be back in the House and to address the Seanad in this august Chamber. I address the House in respect of the Health (Amendment) Bill 2020, which concluded its passage through the Dáil earlier today. I welcome the support received in that House for the core principle of the Bill, which is to protect and safeguard the people of Ireland from...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (23 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: I thank all of the Senators for their contributions. There was considerable discussion and the House has heard many views. It is a very difficult and dangerous time. I hope that we can come to a resolution. Senator Byrne talked about issues affecting the retail sector such as it not being possible to buy socks in a shop while socks are on sale in large supermarkets. I have heard many...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Second Stage (23 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: The regulation needs to be implemented. I accept that is an issue. Senator McDowell has very strong views and an understanding of the law. I appreciate his views. He has said that the Bill was badly drafted and that he has great difficulties with it. I have to take that on board. He talked about questions as to who was the householder and whether a son would not be deemed to be an...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: I appreciate where Senators are coming from regarding the amendments.I really do not think I can accept amendments because we would have to recall the Dáil and I do not think we can do that at present.

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2020: Committee and Remaining Stages (23 Oct 2020)

Frank Feighan: I thank Senators for their views and their amendment but I must oppose it. As a Member of the Oireachtas, I understand the motivation behind this amendment. However, we are living in exceptionally challenging and unprecedented times. As I said in my earlier speech, the Government is battling Covid on a number of fronts, including enforcement. The ability of the Government to make...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: Restrictions on social interaction, the requirement for self-isolation and the restructuring of services, are particularly difficult for those accessing drug and alcohol services and supports. In line with the Government plan for living with Covid-19, the Department of Health is developing a 'Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services', in a planned and appropriate manner in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This new funding is separate to that previously allocated in 2019. It is my intention that the new resources should be directed towards new and emerging needs,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Misuse of Drugs (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: The Government is developing a public health-led approach to drug use. This approach will connect people who use drugs with health services and a pathway to recovery, avoiding a criminal conviction, which can have far-reaching consequences for people, particularly younger people. There are two components to the health diversion programme whereby a person in possession of drugs, determined...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: The Covid-19 pandemic has created a time of uncertainty and anxiety for everyone and particularly for those who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The restructuring of services, social distancing measures and self-isolation can be particularly difficult for those who are trying to remain drug or alcohol free and for those who are in recovery. The Government plan for living with...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Promotion (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1140, 1145 and 1265 together. Healthy Ireland is our national action plan to help people live healthier and longer lives, prevent illness and reduce health inequalities. Healthy Ireland has contributed to my Department’s work on the Covid 19 pandemic, via representation on the NPHET and Behavioural and Vulnerable Groups subgroups and via public...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: Updated guidance was published on 22 October for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services, to ensure that they continue to operate safely under Level 5 of the national framework for living with Covid-19. Individuals should adhere to the public health advice and restrictions at level 5, including staying at home and restricting...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drugs policy and inclusion health. Of this, €4m is being provided to enhance drug and alcohol services as follows: - €1m to develop targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces, and to increase in core funding for existing services - €2m to increase residential treatment...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Funding (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Expenditure (3 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: LEADER Programmes (4 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: I am taking this Topical Issue matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, who is unavailable and sends her apologies. The LEADER programme is an EU-funded programme that has been in operation since 1991. It has supported thousands of community-led projects in Ireland and throughout the EU since it was introduced. The current LEADER programme 2014-20 will come to an end this...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: LEADER Programmes (4 Nov 2020)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy again for raising this important issue. I join him in recognising the value of the work LEADER companies and their staff have done over the years. That work has made a huge difference to rural and urban life in our country. The LEADER programme continues to play an important role in the development and enhancement of rural areas by providing critical funding to rural...