Results 9,501-9,520 of 45,625 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Access (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 220, 221 and 222 together. I wish to inform the Deputy that I have not received the correspondence referred to regarding bus and cab operators in County Louth. In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: The report of the HSE Serious Incident Management Team published last week outlines the look-back process and actions taken by the HSE following the identification of probable missed cancers at Wexford General Hospital. In line with good practice, an external review will now be undertaken as a follow-up to the Serious Incident Management Team report. This review will examine how the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Data (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Ambulance Service Data (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together. As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Waiting Lists (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised that as of 30 December 2016 there were 9811 outpatients on the waiting list (with status of "Has Appointment" or "No Appointment") with a patient area of residence of Wicklow. As the Deputy may be aware, in December 2016, I granted approval to the NTPF for the first tranche of funding, in the region of €5m, for an initiative...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Ministerial Meetings (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: At the outset, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family involved for the traumatic situation they experienced and their loss. As Minister for Health, I am always open to meeting individuals and organisations who request it; however, due to the busy nature of Oireachtas and Government business, it is not always possible. Should the family wish to request a meeting...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together. The National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 was launched in October 2015. The strategy was developed in response to a recommendation of the National AIDS Strategy Committee on the need to establish clear leadership within the health sector around the area of sexual health. The Strategy contains 71 recommendations that...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Expenditure (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Funding (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. The scheduling...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Staff Recruitment (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Availability (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information /dossier submitted by the Company) and will take...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Community Nursing (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Swanick for raising this matter in the Seanad today, and for the opportunity it gives me to outline my views on public health nurses and primary care. I fully agree with the Senator, who has been a strong advocate for primary care for a long number of years, that if we are serious about breaking what is now an annual vicious cycle of overcrowding in accident and emergency...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: EU Bodies (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I thank Senator Richmond for raising the matter again, and I thank him for highlighting from an early stage in the House and in every possible forum his view that Ireland and Dublin would be an ideal location for the European Medicines Agency. I have had a number of conversations with Senator Richmond on this and I am very grateful to him for his support for the Government's bid for Ireland...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: EU Bodies (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: The Senator is right. We need everybody - Government personnel, officials of State agencies, diplomatic representatives and MEPs, regardless of their party affiliation - to get behind this great national challenge. It is in the interests of Ireland, Europe and certainly patient safety. We have a great track record. Ireland has an ability to be a wonderful home for the EMA. I had meant to...

Seanad: Health Service: Statements (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to be back in the Seanad to have an opportunity to have a discussion about the health service and to outline some of my priorities for the health service during 2017. When I spoke to the Seanad in July of last year we had what I considered to be a frank and positive exchange on a number of issues. I look forward to an equally interesting exchange of ideas today. On that...

Seanad: Health Service: Statements (25 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: Not yet. I will stay for the Senator.

Symphysiotomy: Statements (26 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the House this morning and to have the opportunity to discuss the outcome of the symphysiotomy ex gratiapayment scheme and the report of Judge Maureen Harding Clark, assessor to the scheme. It is fair to say we have all been touched by the stories of the women who underwent symphysiotomy and the Government’s aim was to take as humane and...

Nursing Home Support Scheme (Amendment) Bill 2016: Second Stage [Private Members] (26 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Noel Rock for sharing time. I welcome this timely debate which has shown there is a realistic view of the demographic challenge we are facing and the requirement for the Oireachtas and the Government to meet that challenge. My Department's latest "Health in Ireland - Key Trends" report highlights the growth in the number of people aged over 65 years. Each year the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (26 Jan 2017)

Simon Harris: Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. The National...