Results 21,661-21,680 of 46,014 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Properties (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter. 

Written Answers — Department of Health: Information and Communications Technology (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Availability (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Orthodontic Services Data (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. This year has seen ongoing improvements with the number of patients waiting for inpatient and daycase procedures (IPDC), now at 72,000 from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a 16% reduction in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case...

Written Answers — Department of Health: General Medical Services Scheme (11 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

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...