Results 721-740 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: In transport, it is frustrating that when one tables a parliamentary question on roads, one is told the issue has nothing to do with the Minister and is a matter for the NRA. We have created a new layer of bureaucracy in that area. Fine Gael worries the same will happen in health. We all know it is difficult under the current system to get replies to questions from the health boards with such...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I will do so. This aspect needs further consideration. Section 29 sets out requirements on the drawing up of a corporate plan by the health executive. Section 32 provides for a service plan. However, these plans are nothing new; they existed under the old system but have not been effective. The Bill makes no mention of targets for improved service delivery and better value for money. The...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I know they are compelled to attend but in reality we will be doing well if they attend once or twice a year. That fact will be borne out in years to come. Fine Gael has particular concerns about section 55 which restricts a complaints officer from making a recommendation which would require an amendment of the executive service plan or of another body's arrangement with the executive for...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: The person concerned may not have believed he was in a position to carry out his duties.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I have qualified my remarks by saying that is my personal view.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I have, perhaps, said enough at this stage. I may also have said too much.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Fine Gael has grave concerns about this legislation. I appealed to the Leader of the House this morning to ensure that when debating Committee Stage we are not afforded the same treatment as that given to the Dáil where many of the amendments tabled where not dealt with in detail. The issue of health is too serious to mess with. There is an onus on us as parliamentarians to ensure the...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: That is not true.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I make constructive comments but Senator Feeny does not listen.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: How will this be benchmarked for us to know it is a better service? What targets have been established?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Exactly, so why rush the Bill and not debate it properly?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I do not think so.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: What is the status of the Hanly report?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: What is the status of the Hanly report?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I am confused. The public wants to know. Nobody knows the status of the Hanly report.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: No more than members of Senator Glynn's party.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: What about the Hanly report?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Where is the Hanly report?

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Has the Senator got a firm commitment that the hospital will not be downgraded?

Seanad: Order of Business. (14 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Will the Leader organise a debate in the new year on sugar beet and the challenges that lie ahead? Will she invite the Minister for Agriculture and Food to the House to outline her position in advance of any talks at EU level, given that there will be major consequences for towns such as Carlow and Mallow and the south eastern areas that produce beet?