Results 55,821-55,840 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs: Alliance Building to Strengthen the European Union (Resumed): Institute of International and European Affairs (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I should explain to the witnesses the comings and goings of members. During the course of the debate, the Seanad is sitting and votes arise. They have to go to vote. Otherwise a problem arises. I note Ms O'Connell has another paragraph or two to divulge to us. I note the way the debate has been moving in recent weeks in Europe and there being a quid pro quofor one type of support or...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I welcome our guests and thank them for the information provided. Mr. Barry mentioned that the cost of the children's hospital will be higher than previously estimated. My colleague was innovative in his generation of actual expenditure as opposed to estimated expenditure. What expenditure are we talking about? Have we overspent on the works to date at the two outreach and acute care...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: All of the works at all the sites are within budget so far.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: The use of the word "overspend" was wrong, then.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: The word used should have been "under-projection" or "underestimate".

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: How did that develop into what is now commonly referred to as an outrageous overspend? When members of the general public wake up in the morning and read their newspapers, they think that this is appalling, but there is no overspend. All of the works involved so far are within budget. Is that true?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: My colleague was also inspirational on this. He mentioned that clinicians had expressed concerns about procurement. I can understand that, having been involved in the initial stages of a hospital development programme previously. Clinicians usually want the best, and they are entitled to that and should get it, but I am unsure as to whether my colleague was suggesting that there should be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I am impressed with the response. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to reassure my colleague, who had deep-rooted concerns that the project would come asunder. Obviously, that will not be the case. Adequate provision has been made for ongoing procurement, where necessary, to the standard and quality required.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: My colleague is saying "No", but that is just a stage whisper. He has a habit of doing that from time to time. Since overspend had become a major issue for public confidence in the system, it was important that we clarified the position once and for all. We now know that there is no overspend. It took all this time to bring out that kernel of information, but at least we have it now. ...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I thank Dr. Curtis. I am coming to the end of my questions. In deference to all of the speakers yet to come I do not propose to go on as long as the last speaker. The points raised are very impressive and correct. The agencies and bodies providing the service are fully alert to the full requirements, the extent of the demand and the likely demand. How is it identified and how does it...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: The point that would come to my attention, and I hope I know the answer, is that hopefully all these services will be immediately and readily available to all children in all parts of the country simultaneously. In other words, we will not have a system whereby somebody in Kerry, Donegal or Wexford has to wait longer to be able to avail of the high quality of services that are and will be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I know there are other questions the Chairman can follow up on later. My colleague is gone missing but I have a final question relating to construction. There seems to be a preference for right angles and squares as opposed to oval. I am not an expert on this area but I have some knowledge of it. There is no difference whatsoever in the cost for a graduated curve. It is the right angle...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: Yes, as and when.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I apologise to my colleague whom I lampooned when he was unavoidably absent. Likewise, I apologise for my absence during his outburst.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: I assure the committee that on the next occasion, I will give full time and attention to the necessary response.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: National Children's Hospital: Discussion (12 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: No, these things happened in the committee room. Whatever happens in this room is accountable in here. The Chairman should not worry about that.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (13 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: 29. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the review of the Defence Forces pay and conditions has progressed with particular reference to the need to stabilise the strength of the forces and achieve a higher degree of retention of personnel in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24559/19]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (13 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: The Defence Forces are in a unique position given the important role thrust upon them regarding national security. They are also tasked with the responsibility of responding to national emergencies and disasters such as flooding, isolation caused by heavy snow etc. Given that unique position, has it been possible, in the context of the review now taking place, to identify some means whereby...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces Remuneration (13 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: The Defence Forces have responsibilities that include national security, and perhaps even international security, and overseas deployments. I note what the Minister of State said regarding bringing forward the recommendations made in the report. Notwithstanding that, however, could he see a situation arising whereby the continued erosion of the strength of the Defence Forces and of the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (13 Jun 2019)

Bernard Durkan: 9. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps have access to training and equipment on par with other Defence Forces throughout Europe and with a high degree of capability in dealing with unforeseen emergencies, such as a terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24560/19]