Results 6,581-6,600 of 21,128 for speaker:James Reilly

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: In other words, we are not closing the door to the suggestions made. We will examine them and try to expedite them. Regarding the national home care budget for sick children, a question was asked about a draft document which indicated we would cut left, right and centre. There is no question of medical cards being taken from people who are still entitled to have them. That would not make...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I believe I covered the question about services in Limerick and Galway in my opening remarks. I cannot go into detail, as it would hamper the work of the SDU. When its representatives go into a hospital, they receive great co-operation and there is honest engagement. As such, if we were to start publishing reports or making public what has been found, people will start to clam up. I do...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: There are certain elements of the Dutch system that we like, but there are other elements that we do not like. We have looked at the system in Holland in terms of the underpinning of a universal health insurance system. We have looked at the system in Denmark when it comes to having a patient safety authority. We have looked at the system in the United Kingdom when it comes to the hospital...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: In response to Senator Marie Moloney's question on medical cards, the Health Service Executive has centralised the processing of all new and renewal applications at Primary Care Reimbursement Services, PCRS, in Finglas with effect from 1 July this year. The executive has stated it does not expect major delays in processing applications. Completed applications are processed within 15 working...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: With due respect to the Senator who asked the question, it was put to Primary Care Reimbursement Services and this is the response it gave.

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: As I listened to the Senator, I ask to be allowed to speak.

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: We will not say what is revolting. My assistant telephoned the PCRS this morning to check the veracity of this reply. Some 83% of applications are dealt with within 15 working days. However, there can be delays because the information required is not provided. If there are delays of the nature mentioned by the Senator and she can cite a specific case, if she gives me the details, I will be...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I will certainly inquire about the case. I know there were a lot of difficulties, but it is my understanding — I have spoken to the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, who was also very concerned about delays — the position has improved considerably. On the long waiting list for children who need orthodontic treatment, this has been a long-standing problem. I could read a long answer,...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I nearly made a fatal error, one that would have dire consequence, namely, not reply to Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell.

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: Her question primarily addressed the recruitment moratorium, the numbers of people who have left and those who may leave before February. The moratorium is a blunt instrument but we are trying to refine it to make special exceptions in areas where we believe they need to be made. We are caught between a rock and a hard place, given the IMF-EU troika and its requirements of us. It will not...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I can understand Senator D'Arcy's concern about Drogheda hospital. It is a serious concern for us too. We have put in place this week initiatives around that hospital to support the earlier discharge of patients and more home care. We are considering one or two other options also. The Senator will see an improvement in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in the next few weeks and I will keep in...

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I cannot, I am very sorry. I have to take two Adjournment matters and then I must be somewhere else at 2.15 p.m.

Seanad: Health Services: Statements, Questions and Answers (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: Absolutely. I will respond in writing to all the Senators who did not get an opportunity to ask questions. There is no question about that. Positive things are happening. We have now a new colposcopy unit in the Coombe hospital. We have allocated it the money to do up its labour suite and its theatre, which were located on two different floors. That was unacceptable. We have the new...

Seanad: Medical Cards (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I thank the Senator for his inquiry. I will explain how the Health Service Executive assesses eligibility for a medical card and takes account of one's circumstances. Eligibility criteria for health services are set out in the Health Act 1970, as amended. In accordance with the legislation, eligibility is primarily determined by reference to a person's residence and means. Ordinarily,...

Seanad: Redundancy Payments (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: The Senator should forgive me if I address the question put rather than the numerous ones he just raised. Senator Sheahan and Deputy Griffin have been extending invitations to me regularly to open the hospital. I will be very happy to do so at the appropriate time. The issue the Senator raised is very serious, particularly at a time of economic crisis in which many have been made redundant....

Seanad: Redundancy Payments (27 Oct 2011)

James Reilly: I agree that, on the face of it, five sounds like a very small number. However, as it constitutes an increase of 25%, I ask the Senator to await developments in the next couple of weeks to ascertain how this affects the service. If it does not have the desired result, I certainly will convey the Senator's concerns to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, who is...

Written Answers — Abortion Services: Abortion Services (2 Nov 2011)

James Reilly: In relation to recommendations on abortion made by European countries during Ireland's examination under the Universal Periodic Review, the Government is committed to the establishment of an Expert Group on the ABC v Ireland judgment to make recommendations on how this matter should be properly addressed. It would be inappropriate for the Government to pre-empt the recommendations of the...

Written Answers — Accident and Emergency Services: Accident and Emergency Services (2 Nov 2011)

James Reilly: I propose to take Questions Nos. 475, 476, 492, 510 and 524 together. As the Deputy knows, this Government has an ambitious programme of reform which includes institutional reforms and economic incentives which will make health care providers truly accountable for delivering patient centred care. I can assure the Deputy that I have the commitment and determination to deliver this agenda. I...

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (2 Nov 2011)

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

Written Answers — Health Service Staff: Health Service Staff (2 Nov 2011)

James Reilly: The following table sets out the position in the HSE regarding posts that were approved and filled since the recruitment pause in July 2011. Of the 204 posts concerned, 136 involved the appointment of trainees or students in line with normal practice. Grade Category Number Trainees/Students Health and Social Care Professionals 32 31 Student Clinical Psychologists Nursing 81 69 Student...