Results 2,141-2,160 of 2,723 for speaker:Barry Andrews

Drug Seizures. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: I am replying on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern. I thank Deputy Sheehan for raising this important matter in the House. I should start by saying that the Minister is only answerable to this House concerning An Garda Síochána.

Drug Seizures. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Investigations are still ongoing on this matter, albeit in other jurisdictions, and the Minister is still restricted as to what he can say about this particular case. On top of that, the Minister firmly holds the view that he should not openly disclose the intelligence that may or may not be available to members of An Garda Síochána at any particular time, or what action is taken on foot...

Drug Seizures. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: ——and the continued increase in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána. Its attested strength will increase to almost 14,900 by the end of 2009, from its current attested strength of 14,267.

Drug Seizures. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: The Minister has particularly asked me to mention the establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre (Narcotics) in Lisbon. Established in 2007, the centre is focused on targeting the sea and air cocaine routes from Central and South America into the European Union. It collects and analyses operational information, enhances intelligence through better information exchange,...

Human Rights Issues. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter on the Adjournment. Like Deputy Coveney, the Government is deeply shocked by the severe sentences which were imposed on Burmese political activists by a closed military court yesterday afternoon. On hearing news of the sentences, the Minister for Foreign Affairs immediately issued a statement on the matter. The statement encapsulates the...

Protestant Schools. (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: I am pleased to be given the opportunity to clarify for the House the position in regard to the withdrawal of certain grants from Protestant fee-paying schools. The 2009 budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect, education, while...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: I am aware of the recently published report by Dublin Inner City Partnership regarding the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) which was introduced by my Office in January 2008. I understand that officials in my Office were in contact with and provided information to the Partnership at the time of its drafting. While there are no plans to review the scheme at this point, in order...

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Deputy Kehoe has just subjected us to the worst example of amateur dramatics in the House that I have seen in a long time. His hysterical outburst does not become the Fine Gael Party. I am sure his colleagues, who had to listen to and endure this hysteria, were embarrassed by it. He should take a lead from his colleagues who provided a more balanced and illuminating debate about this matter.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: He comes into this House, time after time, one Wednesday after another, with the same mock indignation, piety and self-righteousness we have to listen to every week.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: He did it before we had a recession. It was the same hysteria and amateur dramatics that we have had to listen to again tonight. I do not take lectures from Deputy Kehoe.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: He is a disgrace to his party. He should withdraw some of these accusations he is making.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Deputy McEntee can have him.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: The first thing to emphasise is that the HPV vaccine, while a valuable initiative, is just one part of helping to prevent deaths from cervical cancer.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: The second point to note is that HPV vaccination is not and cannot be a replacement for routine cervical screening. We know that countries that have organised cervical cancer screening programmes have substantially reduced both the number of new cases and deaths from cervical cancer. The Government's investment of €35 million in this programme demonstrates our commitment to a national...

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Talk about having the courage to make these decisions——

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Next year it will be tough again.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: We will have to see how things will be then. We learn two things from contributions like that. First, that the Opposition is not fit for Government and, second, that the people were right. Anticipating the economic downturn we were going to have they voted for Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats at the last election.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Deputy Mary Harney's record as Minister for Health and Children will always be a great one.

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Four years ago, the debate on health was all about consultants' contracts, primary care teams and waiting lists for treatment. We have made huge progress on all these issues. The one major indicator of improvements in our health service is that the average lifespan is over 80, way ahead of the European average. We have made major progress on this over the years, which is down in large part...

Vaccination Programme: Motion (Resumed) (12 Nov 2008)

Barry Andrews: Some balance would be appreciated. I am sure the people watching this debate would acknowledge that if the Opposition was a bit more generous we would believe the other stuff they come out with.