Results 9,641-9,660 of 15,268 for speaker:Kathleen Lynch

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: General Practitioner Services (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I do not disagree with the Deputy but we have to ensure that, ideally, a locum system is put in place with the person who intends to retire. Location is often a big part of the difficulty but I take on board what the Deputy says.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Disability Support Services Provision (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The programme for Government committed to ensuring that the quality of life of people with disabilities is enhanced and that resources allocated reach the people who need them. We secured a slight increase in the budget for disability services this year but I am not certain that anyone noticed. Since 2011 and in spite of the prevailing economic conditions, the Government has focussed on...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Disability Support Services Provision (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The transformation of disability services in this country is exactly what the Deputy is talking about. The team involved with the value for money report, the policy review and the ongoing service reform are going into individual services to deal with issues such as those raised by the Deputy. We are talking about a service that is directed in many cases by people with disabilities...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Disability Support Services Provision (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I always feel I have to bow to the disappointment that people find in my performance. If a full-time Minister were appointed, I am sure he or she would do a far better job than I do.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I wish to say once again that budgetary and other pressures within the HSE delayed the full utilisation of the €35 million that was allocated in 2012 and 2013. The underspend in planned mental health expenditure and the timing of the recruitment of staff developments can be attributed to the time required to get various programmes up and running. I refer, for example, to the...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: So the Deputy says.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I am sure the gentleman to whom the Deputy referred would like us to correct the record. He did not resign. He stepped down as clinical director.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: That happens because people do not always stay in the same posts. I do not disagree with people who disagree with my view of the world. They are quite entitled to have their view and to put pressure on a Minister to get the best possible outcome. I have a difficulty, however, with people - not just in the Dáil - time and again claiming to be in favour of A Vision for Change, only not...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: What the Deputy fails to understand is that we are changing a service. We do not necessarily want the same people who have been working in the service for a long number of years, even though they have done an incredible job. The bulk are nurses who have since upskilled and are doing a different type of job. They would agree with this. I speak with them regularly. They have told me that...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Pharmacy Services (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The development of primary care services is an essential component of the health reform process. In a developed primary care system, up to 95% of people's day-to-day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting. Pharmacy services are well placed within the community to provide essential health advice and to support effective care at the lowest level of complexity and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Pharmacy Services (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: No one would ever accuse Deputy Finian McGrath of not being proactive in respect of ideas. There is everything to recommend a scheme. Basically, who do people trust more and what is the door through which they most commonly go if feeling a little bit under the weather? It is the door of the pharmacy. People usually know them and they usually know everyone in their own community. They...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Pharmacy Services (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I agree with the Deputy. However, when people are obliged to present in accident and emergency departments, it is often for very good reason. We must be conscious of that fact, particularly in the context of those who are frail and vulnerable.

Other Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I can read out for the Deputy the exact same answer I gave Deputy Colm Keaveney earlier. I know it is identical because I have read it. I understand what the Deputy is saying and why he is saying it. However, I must say the experience I have gathered over the past year or two has shown me very clearly that trying to put in place the posts for a new service in mental health is quite...

Other Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: In response to the request that the Government should have made up the €15 million it held back in 2014, my position is that in the circumstances and given the logistical and phasing issues arising from recruitment and properly planned service reconfiguration, it was considered more efficient to restore the annual programme for Government allocation to 2012 and 2013 levels. Coupled...

Other Questions: Mental Health Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: With regard to children being placed in inappropriate places, my research tells me that they are usually aged 16 or 17. I was worried that this involved a younger cohort but, nevertheless, when young people are placed in inappropriate beds on adults wards and beds are available within the CAMHS unit, a question needs to be asked. I have asked that question of those charged with both...

Nursing Home Support Scheme: Motion [Private Members] (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I move amendment No. 1:To delete all words after “Dáil Éireann” and substitute the following: "recognising that: — the Government is very aware of the future projections and of their implications for services and supports for our future older population, this includes not only residential provision but also community and home based supports; and —...

Nursing Home Support Scheme: Motion [Private Members] (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I commend the Government amendment to the House.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I am aware that waiting times on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme placement list are now at around 15 weeks. This is a matter of concern for me, and my Department and the HSE are working to ensure that the resources that are available deliver the best possible outcomes for older people. This will require an integrated approach across community, residential and other service areas. The HSE...

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Practitioner Services (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The Government committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government has commenced this process in respect of all children under 6 years. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disabilities Services Funding (11 Nov 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services to enhance their quality of life. The Health Service...