Results 20,501-20,520 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: We are splitting hairs. I would like to be clear. I am trying to find out exactly how many people were employed in the health services in 2014 or 2015 and to compare the number with how many people are employed now. There has been a considerable increase, ranging from 25% to 28%. That has to make a difference. That should be reflected in the delivery of the services to the public. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: There is no extra cost involved in more people filling the same number of positions.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: There is no reliance on agency staff to fill those posts.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: How many agency placements are there on a normal week?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: Agency staff cost more.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: How much is that premium?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I ask Mr. Connaghan to address my question on unused accommodation.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I also asked about unused ward space.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I will follow up on some of the previous questions. I welcome the progress indicated on the carrying out of an audit to find out where the deficiencies are. Provided it is followed up, that will be bring fairly dramatic results. There is not much sense identifying where the deficiencies are unless there is something done to address them. I realise the audit is being done in the context of...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: It is no harm, just in case the Minister and his staff and the HSE conclude that Naas Hospital is not for mention in these circumstances. I could mention it a couple of times. I raised this as a Topical Issue matter last week when I acknowledged the progress made. I emphasise, however, that the proposed new units in Naas are an urgent necessity for the operation of the hospital. It is...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I apologise for interrupting. That is a departure from the manner in which new drugs are examined, where, even though we have the EU level for examining and approving new drugs, we also do it ourselves, and we raise questions at that time. I do not accept that what has been put forward is an adequate answer. While I not blaming Dr. Henry, it is a fact.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I am concerned about that. There is an inconsistency. On the one hand, we are particularly careful and we double-check in respect of drugs, as we should do in most cases, even though the same check has already been done by the European institutions, where we are also represented, incidentally. On the other hand, we do not seem to apply the same principles regarding staff and their...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I also had a question on Naas General Hospital, particularly the accommodation space to deal with possible winter emergencies.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: The next phase of the development plan at Naas, which is pending, needs to come into operation as soon as possible. I raise this on the basis it affects the general delivery of services and the morale within the hospital. People can only be so long waiting for something to happen.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: I think the Minister wants to answer that.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Approved Housing Bodies (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: 79. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if consideration will be given to the setting up of housing co-operatives under the aegis of the local authorities with a view to making a serious effort to address the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47115/18]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authority Funding (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: 110. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a structure can be formed for operation by the local authorities for the purpose of obtaining sufficient capital at the lowest possible interest rates on the international market to restore the traditional local authority house building programme, including the provision of serviced sites and affordable housing; if audits...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Visa Applications (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: 163. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for a long stay visa in the case of a person (details supplied); when the appeal will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47308/18]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Illness Benefit Eligibility (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: 273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an illness benefit payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47354/18]

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Illness Benefit Payments (14 Nov 2018)

Bernard Durkan: 274. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a decreased level of illness benefit payment issued recently to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47355/18]