Results 14,621-14,640 of 21,514 for speaker:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: We did not ask that Questions Nos. 1 and 2 be grouped. We received a notification to that effect.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: In that case, the questions should be ungrouped. I am as entitled as Deputy Kelleher is to put my question.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: What about the questions before us?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Will the Minister accept that it is absolutely objectionable-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I am dealing with question No. 2. Will the Minister accept that it is most unacceptable that Opposition spokespersons are dependent on purposeful leaks through the media in order to obtain some sense of the detail contained in the national service plan? I presume that detail will be formally announced later this morning. We do not have access to the relevant information. Such information...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: -----and, therefore, that-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The director general of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, has calculated that 225,000 medical cards equates to €44 million in cuts under the so-called probity heading. If one extrapolates from this on the basis that the Minister had adhered to the €133 million cut, some 675,000 medical cards would be taken back in 2014. The reality is that on the basis of the director general's...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Does the Minister not accept that it is unacceptable that the opposition spokespersons on health will not have the opportunity to address the detail of the national service plan until after its introduction and implementation from 1 January next? The plan is for the calendar year of 2014. With regard to provision for the roll-out of the bilateral cochlear implant programme, speculation in...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: As for the Minister's claim of success, he should read the newspapers. He does not have to say it when his spin doctors are suggesting that this was a victory for the Minister over the Labour Party-----

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: -----with that party claiming, in turn, that it was a victory over the Minister. The Minister should look to his colleagues beside him who are quoted in the newspapers this morning.

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: HSE National Service Plan (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: What about the bilateral cochlear implant programme? Is the Minister in a position to answer that?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Health Services Staff Remuneration (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: 5. To ask the Minister for Health if he will establish a timeframed independent inquiry into the practice of top-up payments to senior executives at section 38 entities; the steps he has taken to impress on all such bodies that these payments must cease with immediate effect; if recoupment is being pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54127/13]

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Health Services Staff Remuneration (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: The recent focus on salary top-ups was not just about the irregular practices at the Central Remedial Clinic. The Health Service Executive and the Department themselves have, in some cases, approved top-ups of a very substantial nature. Does the Minister agree that a timeframed independent inquiry into such practices at all section 38 entities is now required?

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Health Services Staff Remuneration (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: Time will show that an independent inquiry was required because one of the first things that has to be established or re-established here is public trust and confidence, which has been seriously dented. I believe the issues involved are more than just the top-ups themselves, although they are the most vexatious. We have also seen exposed the unusual arrangements in regard to pensions and...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Health Services Staff Remuneration (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: While the Minister is leaving it to an evaluation on an individual basis, I believe he should signal in the strongest possible terms that recoupment is indeed a target of the exercise. I believe the funds should be restored to their intended target area, which is the services to the patients involved. Again, I am very concerned that it is the HSE on which we are depending in this instance...

Other Questions: Ambulance Service Response Times (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: May I briefly-----

Other Questions: Proposed Legislation (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: I would like to ask a quick question on this. Can the Minister confirm if the Bill has now been introduced in full? Has it been enacted? Is it actually now in practice across the health services?

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Allowances (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: 13. To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm that he and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform approved a salary package for a former CEO of a Dublin hospital which ensured that when they took up a post as CEO of Health Service Executive hospitals in the west they were remunerated on the basis of their former CEO salary plus top-up; if this arrangement has been investigated...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Provision (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: 15. To ask the Minister for Health if he will require the Health Service Executive to urgently revisit its plans for the reconfiguration of mental health services in Galway-Roscommon, in view of the many concerns raised, particularly the need to maintain the services provided at the 22 bed unit at Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54117/13]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospice Services (18 Dec 2013)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin: 26. To ask the Minister for Health if it is the case that there are currently four operating theatres closed in Cappagh Hospital; the waiting times, by procedure, at Cappagh in October 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54120/13]