Results 14,241-14,260 of 18,851 for speaker:Fergus O'Dowd

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: 695. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the position in relation to the Sienna Valley urban regeneration development fund project submitted to appeal by Louth County Council; if a decision has been made; if not, when a decision will be made on this application for Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9939/20]

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I refer to correspondence from the Department of Health concerning nursing homes, analysis by HIQA and risk management, as published in its document. I request that the organising committee arrange to have representatives from HIQA back here as soon as possible, as well as representatives from Nursing Homes Ireland, NHI, to discuss the serious issue that 67% of nursing homes were not fully...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I have no issue with that and I welcome it. I only raise this matter because I am not on that working group. I appreciate the Chairman's suggestion.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Business of Special Committee (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: Most of our deaths, sadly, have occurred in nursing homes and it is very important that we go into that matter in great detail so there is a fundamental change in our care of older people.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: How much time do I have?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I welcome the witnesses and reflect the view of the public that they are doing a fantastic job. People really appreciate their professionalism, calmness, knowledge and the way they impart information on the activities which are proportionate to what we need to do to beat this virus. I understand that the witnesses are here to explain their understanding of the behaviour of the virus and...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: While I respect Dr. De Gascun's contribution, the fact is that the staffing levels, the skills mix and the competencies in these congregated settings are not adequate, and that is the view of HIQA. They are not commensurate with what is actually required to deal effectively with the escalating care needs during a Covid-19 outbreak. That is the benchmark we now have. Thankfully, we are...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: The point is the WHO has stated that those aged over 60 should wear one. What is the view of Dr. De Gascun on this? Does he not think that is where we should be?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: Yesterday.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: It may not be Dr. De Gascun's responsibility but the point I am making is if that is the recommendation-----

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: The recommendation is for those aged over 60.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: It is everybody aged over 60. That is the reality. There is a group of people who are older, and I happen to be one of them and thankfully healthy at present. I speak to a lot of people and they are worried about their health. I am not criticising anybody here and I want to state this exceptionally clearly. We need to make sure that if this is what the WHO is saying, we must make sure it...

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: People going on Amazon do not know what the hell they are buying. It is important that appropriate and proper sources be identified. My next point is based on what I have read and the witnesses should contradict me if I am wrong. Apparently Hong Kong has had no fatalities or deaths in nursing homes for older people. Are there lessons we can learn from this if it is the case?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: What about my question on Hong Kong?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: Can I come in?

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I will be quick.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: Reopening the Economy: Public Health Advice (9 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: In Hong Kong they prioritised older people by placing them in acute hospitals rather than in nursing homes. That is the difference.

Special Committee on Covid-19 Response: World Health Organization: Public Health Advice (11 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: I have several questions and the first has two parts. One of the problems with masks is that when we go to buy them, we do not know what quality they are, and there is no CE mark or quality assurance mark that I can find that will give certainty about the mask someone wants to purchase. I make that point in the context that the WHO is now saying that those over 60 must have medical grade...

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Value Added Tax (16 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: 91. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will address matters raised in correspondence relating to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11201/20]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Staff (16 Jun 2020)

Fergus O'Dowd: 163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person employed by a local secondary school whose contract is with the board of management of the school and who is nearly of pensionable age can continue to work until 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11144/20]