Results 1,881-1,900 of 2,723 for speaker:Barry Andrews

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: The company in question is participating in both the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) and the Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, both of which are implemented by my Office. The CCSS provides support funding to community based not for profit child care services to enable them to charge reduced fees to disadvantaged and low income working parents....

Written Answers — Adoption Services: Adoption Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: The Adoption Bill 2009 was published in January 2009 and completed all stages in the Seanad by May 2009. Second stage was commenced in Dáil Éireann on 18th November 2009 and completed on 21st January 2010. Committee stage commenced on 17th February 2010 and is scheduled to recommence on 2nd March. It is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter....

Written Answers — Adoption Services: Adoption Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: Adoption in Ireland is regulated by the Adoption Board which is an independent quasi judicial statutory body appointed by Government. The 1952 Adoption Act established the Adoption Board which has the sole right to grant or refuse to grant adoption orders. The functions of the Board in relation to an intercountry adoption application are set out in the Adoption Act 1991. The Board has two...

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: The Adoption Bill 2009 was published in January 2009 and completed all stages in the Seanad by May 2009. Second stage was commenced in Dáil Éireann on 18th November 2009 and completed on 21st January 2010. Committee stage commenced on 17 February 2010 and is scheduled to recommence on 2nd March. It is hoped that the Bill will complete its passage through both Houses shortly thereafter....

Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is encouraging and positive to see Private Members' time being taken up with proposed legislation, albeit legislation devised by the Law Reform Commission. It is fitting that Private Members' time should be used in this way given that we are primarily a legislative body. While motions have their uses from time to time, this is the best use of Private Members' time. Deputy Timmins...

Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: That is to the Deputy's credit. This has been a collaborative effort between the Government and the Opposition. The public is crying out for that type of co-operation rather than the usual Punch and Judy stuff that goes on. We may pretend we are vicious fighting factions but the truth is far from that. We work best when we work together. In this case there has been a commonality of views...

Written Answers — Children in Care: Children in Care (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I am giving consideration to the legal position with regard to the provision of aftercare services, having regard to the existing legislative provisions as set out in the Child Care Act 1991. I had a positive meeting recently with Focus Ireland in this regard. The Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009 Implementation Plan states: The provision of aftercare by the HSE...

Written Answers — Adoption Services: Adoption Services (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 to 188, inclusive, together. The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adoptees, natural mothers and birth families. It also works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE...

Written Answers — Foster Care: Foster Care (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I am informed by the Health Service Executive that it expects to publish the report of the independent inquiry into the Roscommon abuse case in the coming weeks. The report into the death of Kelly Fitzgerald, published in 1995, contained in excess of 40 recommendations. Those recommendations were presented to the then Western Health Board and adopted in full by it. Several of the report's...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I understand the report is substantially complete and that the issue of publication is related to the criminal prosecution and the sentencing which, as the Deputy observed, is due next Friday. Obviously, I have not seen it and cannot comment on what issues might arise in respect of publication. However, I assure the House that the inquiry is being chaired by a person in whom everyone in...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: Deputy Shatter obviously is trying to refer to the publication he effected this morning.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: He clearly is drawing an analogy with what he did this morning. It was most unfortunate and irresponsible to do so in the circumstances in which it was done. Had Deputy Shatter asked either the HSE or me, I would have been able to assure him that every step was being taken to try to effect that publication, having regard to balancing the rights to which I referred earlier.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is unfortunate that he should try to draw on that issue. However, if he insists on so doing-----

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: With respect, Deputy Shatter is trying to ask everyone in this House and everyone who is watching this debate to suspend reality and to ignore what happened this morning. To state there is no analogy between what he is talking about now and what occurred this morning is simply a fantasy of his own making.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I apologise if I am being unnecessarily contentious but it is important to re-emphasise that difficulties always arise in respect of the publication of this type of report. It is crucial for public confidence in our child welfare and protection service that they are published. It is for this reason that the Government has ensured that HIQA will provide the HSE with guidance in the matter of...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: From the moment of my appointment, it became clear to me that child welfare and protection would have to be a priority in the discharge of my functions and this continues to be the case. One key element in the restoration of public trust in that part of our health service is to ensure that reports like these are published. To suggest, as has been suggested on the floor of this Chamber...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is difficult to publish such reports. While no attempt is made to cover them up, it simply is a matter of trying to balance rights.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is drafting the Heads for the National Vetting Bureau Bill. It is expected that the Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Formal consultations have taken place with the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and colleagues in...