Results 26,561-26,580 of 46,081 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Waiting Lists (8 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I would like to refer to the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question No. 466 of 27 February 2018. Unfortunately, due to an administrative error, incorrect dates for the opening of the two paediatric outpatient and urgent care centres were provided to the Deputy in that reply. My Department is arranging for the Dáil record to be corrected and I apologise for this error. The...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances Applications Data (8 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Data (8 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cancer Screening Programmes (8 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I am establishing a Scoping Inquiry in relation to issues that have arisen at CervicalCheck. A range of issues in relation to cytology laboratory services contracted by CervicalCheck will be examined under the terms of reference of that Inquiry.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Appeals (8 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Medicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key health service objective. However, the challenge is to do this in a safe and sustainable manner. Treatment must be appropriate and proportionate and clinical decision-making, such as prescribing, should be based on both patient needs and sound medical...

Questions on Promised Legislation (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: The contract of the director general who was appointed during the previous Fine Gael-Labour Party Government allows him to take up employment where the Minister sanctions it. This was employment of less than five hours a month but, rightly, considering the important issues the Deputy highlighted for women's health and the need for him to focus on that exclusively for the remaining few weeks...

Questions on Promised Legislation (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: It was not within days.

Questions on Promised Legislation (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. He is correct that one of the most tangible things this Oireachtas could do is pass legislation to provide for mandatory open disclosure in the health service of serious, reportable incidents. I will go to the Cabinet on Tuesday for permission to draft such legislation. 1 o’clock I have separated it from the broader Bill to which the...

Questions on Promised Legislation (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for the question. I look forward to attending the INMO conference tomorrow and having an opportunity to engage with nurses and midwives on this issue. As the Deputy rightly said, the Public Service Pay Commission is considering issues to do with the recruitment and retention of staff in the healthcare sector. It is due to report shortly - I believe during the summer. I...

Leaders' Questions (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: She has no interest in that.

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I am very glad to address Seanad Éireann this afternoon on this very important issue which has arisen and which I know has caused a great deal of concern, particularly to women, right across the country. I thank Senators on all sides for providing me with an opportunity to address them today. I reiterate my gratitude to Vicky Phelan for her courage in bringing this issue to light and...

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: The events of that evening were quite appalling.

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Work has started to ascertain this number now that it transpires that there are cases of cervical cancer known to the national cancer registry that were not known to CervicalCheck. I have directed that immediate steps be taken so that information from the registry can be provided to the CervicalCheck programme on any additional cases of cervical cancer that occurred during this time. The...

Seanad: CervicalCheck Screening Programme: Statements (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Sure.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Availability (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on medicine pricing and reimbursement in the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Before deciding whether to reimburse a medicine, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available. The decisions on...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Disclosure Code (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I am, and have always have been, fully committed to open disclosure. It is a patient’s right to be provided with honest, open and prompt communication about adverse events that may have caused them harm. This is underpinned in the Medical Practitioners Code of Conduct. I have been progressing for some time a number of policy and legislative provisions to ensure full...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Meetings (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: I have not had interactions with clinical pathology laboratories in my time as Minister for Health. I am not aware of interactions involving my predecessors in this role, ministerial advisers or departmental officials with clinical pathology laboratories.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Rare Diseases Strategy Implementation (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: In 2017 the Department published a progress report on the National Rare Disease Plan and this is available on the Department’s website under ‘Publications’. An update is also provided on all 48 recommendations of the Plan and on progress to date. Establishment of a National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases was one of the principal recommendations in the Plan. The...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (3 May 2018)

Simon Harris: Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual. The National...