Results 21,441-21,460 of 45,789 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cross-Border Health Services Provision (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The HSE operates the Cross Border Directive in Ireland. Patients in Ireland can seek to be referred to another EU/EEA country for medical treatment that is available in the public health service in Ireland. The patient may access the overseas service in either the public or private health sector of the country they choose to receive the service in.  The patient pays for the treatment...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Staff Data (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 384, inclusive, together. The ratio of males to females employed in my Department is 1 : 1.44. The breakdown by gender and grade is detailed below: Grade Male Female Total Secretary General 1 0 1 Deputy Secretary 3 1 4 Assistant Secretary 3 4 7 Director 1 0 1 Principal Officer & Equivalents 19 32 51 Assistant Principal...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Transport (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Forums (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Safety Agency Establishment (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The Department of Health has been engaged in the development of policy in relation to the areas of Patient Safety, Complaints and Advocacy for a considerable period of time. Notably, the Government approved in December 2015 the establishment of a new National Patient Safety Office to bring forward legislation and provide the policy lead for patient safety. Patient Safety Complaints and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Appointments to State Boards (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: All appointments made by me comply with the legislation in place and/or are made in line with Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The basis for the nomination of members to the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is usually set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Primary Care Centres (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities. The Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy with the particular information raised in this question.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to be in the Seanad for Committee Stage of this legislation and look forward to a number of days of constructive debate on Committee and Report Stages. I have just come from a meeting with many medical stakeholders who are preparing for the introduction of services in January. I am very happy to see the level of preparedness that people have made, in terms of websites,...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I do not intend to break the rules of Committee Stage as the Cathaoirleach would not appreciate it but on this occasion I will deviate from the amendment before us. Of course, I am aware of the Taoiseach's comments. He is entirely correct in his statement that if these Houses pass the legislation and the President signs it into law, services will be available in January. That is what he...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: There is no need.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: In response to Senator Mullen's initial comments, we can vehemently disagree on the content of this legislation, as I know we do, and still have a debate that is respectful and constructive, and, as he rightly says, does not seek to filibuster or delay. I look forward to engaging on that basis. I am not in a position to accept amendments Nos. 3 or 15 because these amendments, tabled by the...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I feel admonished.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I very much understand where Senators are coming from on this and, to be truthful, it was the same space I was coming from in the original draft scheme I published. I went through the work of the Department of Health and we had not included reference to examination, for many of the reasons Senators have referred to and endeavoured to address through their amendments. These are reasons with...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: In the case of most but not all the amendments.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Not yet, but I am addressing all the amendments in this group. I am also advised that from a legal point of view it is also very important that there is consistency between all sections of the Bill in order to not cause unintended consequences in the way the Bill is interpreted. The important aspect of the requirement set out in the Bill is that medical practitioners providing the service...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Under the legislation as currently envisaged, it would not be possible to pre-sign because one would need to see and be examined by the doctor. In fairness, none of the amendments seeks to take away from that. I referenced the Hubert case in another jurisdiction where that difficulty was encountered. We are all in this together and want to do this. We are protecting women by ensuring we...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank Senators for their contributions on this important issue. I know it is one about which people feel very strongly. I approach this Bill from a simple enough perspective, namely, I feel a duty. People do not agree with me, and I have already heard people over there who do not agree with me on this. However, I am doing what I said I was going to do during the referendum...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Senator Bacik raised an important point and one on which I am happy to put on record my position. It is my intention to bring forward health legislation in 2019 to legislate for safe access zones. The Government made a decision that we should do that so I have a Government decision to do it. I also have a Government decision that it would be health legislation, which is important. I have...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I feel no discomfort on being a man.

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Committee Stage (10 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The long and the short of this is the removal of the word "serious" would create a broadening of the grounds for termination in Ireland. I am not in a position to do that. I do not believe I am mandated to do that. On Senator Gavan’s point, I am certainly not going to ask anyone to wait three years. I am suggesting we pass the legislation in order that women can access termination...