Results 5,581-5,600 of 6,058 for speaker:Frank Feighan

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Funding (22 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I understand from the HSE that there will be no reduction in funding to the Midlands Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce (MRDAFT) in 2023. In 2023 the new HSE U18 service for the midlands Area (Laois, Offaly, Longford & Westmeath) will be co-funded by both the MRDATF and HSE CADS (Community Alcohol & Drug Service). I welcome the partnership approach being taken by the HSE...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff (22 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: As this question refers to a service matter I am referring the question to the HSE.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: General Practitioner Services (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. As he is aware, GPs are private practitioners, although most hold contracts with the HSE to provide services under various health schemes. There are currently more than 2,500 GPs with General Medical Services, GMS, contracts for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit cardholders. As they are private...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: General Practitioner Services (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: The HSE is aware of the expected retirement of the GP concerned and is taking appropriate steps to arrange for the continued provision of GP services for affected cardholders until such time as a replacement GP is in place. The HSE's focus is on ensuring continuity of care. It is currently engaging with local providers to implement a plan for services in the interim. As the Deputy stated,...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Fuel Poverty (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The Government is supportive of district heating because it contributes to the diversification of the fuel supply for heat and decarbonising the heat sector. Across Europe, the term "district heating" is generally applied to networks that serve neighbourhoods, towns or cities and cover a mixture of customers including public buildings, industrial...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Fuel Poverty (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy. The issues affecting customers of group heating schemes is primarily a matter for the consumer and the energy provider. The package of financial supports made available under budget 2023 includes the electricity emergency benefit scheme and will assist vulnerable households in the context of the cost of living. I do not have the detail regarding clarity but we will be...

Drugs Policy: Motion [Private Members] (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I very much welcome the opportunity to debate the Labour Party motion in respect of drugs policy and to highlight the progress we have made in the implementation of the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery. As Deputies are aware, it is a health-led approach to drug and alcohol use in Ireland from 2017 to 2025. As Minister of State, I am responsible for co-ordinating...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (29 Nov 2022)

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: Health Strategies (29 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026 is currently being developed by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to address the House on Second Stage of the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2022. This is an annual technical Bill comprising eight sections, all focused on the specific area of health insurance. This legislation is required each year to revise the amounts of credits and levies, ensuring not only that the risk...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (30 Nov 2022)

Frank Feighan: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play an important role in addressing problem drug and alcohol use within their geographical areas. The Department of Health does not collect data in relation to the funding of drug and alcohol services on a county basis. The financial information in the attached spreadsheet reflects the Department of Health allocations to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces only. As...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (1 Dec 2022)

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: Hospital Services (7 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: Over the last three years and in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the HSE has examined potential mechanisms to increase access to opioid substitution treatment in order to promote the safety of individuals who were opioid dependent and at potential risk of contracting SARS CoV 2 and suffering morbidity and mortality. A research paper on the HSE Addiction Services response during the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Citizens' Assembly (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government is committed to establishing a citizens' assembly on drug use at the earliest opportunity in 2023 along with a citizens' assembly on the future of education. The terms of reference and the timelines for the citizens' assembly on drug use will be presented to the Oireachtas for approval. I am very positive about the potential...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Citizens' Assembly (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: There is an An Bord Pleanála appeal on the supervised injection facility in Merchants Quay. We hope it will be taken as quickly as possible. It is part of the overall national drug strategy. I am very fortunate as Minister of State to have the national drugs strategy to which there has been more than 20,000 submissions. It has had its mid-term review. That is about reducing harm and...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Citizens' Assembly (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy for his informed and measured remarks. The Government is committed to a health-led approach for those in possession of drugs for personal use through the health diversion programme that will divert them away from the criminal justice system and connect them with health services. The terms of reference for the citizens’ assembly will be a matter for the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disability Services (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. The Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services to better support the needs of children with special needs in Ireland.  The current delays in accessing therapy services, directly related to vacancies across the children’s disability network team, CDNT, network...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disability Services (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: I assure the Deputy that the HSE is committed to delivering efficient, high-quality occupational therapy to all eligible service users. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is aware of the situation. I understand that she has met with representatives of CHO 5 in the hope that it can be resolved. She is aware of the issue. The Government is committed to delivering real and tangible...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Disability Services (8 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue. The HSE is continuing to explore a range of options to enhance the recruitment and retention of essential staff across all aspects of the health service. The Deputy suggested there is a role for the Department of the Minister, Deputy Harris. I absolutely agree with him. We can highlight these vacancies but also the opportunities for young...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Promotion (6 Dec 2022)

Frank Feighan: The WHO European Regional Obesity Report, published earlier this year, warns of the serious health risks associated with rising levels of obesity. In the European Region, overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions, with prevalence levels higher among males (63%) than among females (54%). In Ireland, overweight and obesity pose an increasing challenge, with one in five children...