Results 2,701-2,720 of 3,623 for speaker:Ulick Burke

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: The most important matter is that we recognise that the very many personnel within the health boards were top class in delivering the services. The Minister of State referred in his contribution to the strengthening of governance and accountability across the system. Surely this raises a question regarding the governance of the health services at local level and accountability. The Minister...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Senator Leyden's policies while chairman of the health board, and while Minister of State for that matter, were such that he squandered time, effort and resources.

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: When he was chairperson, he was pushed aside because of what was regarded as his parochialism. That is neither here nor there.

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Consider the health service area I know best, the Western Health Board area. The purchase of Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe was a good measure.

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: It was welcomed by all, both at local and national levels. However, what has happened in the interim? The Hanly proposals now encroach and we are to have downgrading. We have been told by local politicians in the heat of the election campaign that the hospital will not be closed. Nobody, including Mr. Hanly, ever said it would be closed but we are to have downgrading and the Minister of State...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Furthermore, consider the closure of the Bon Secours Grove Hospital in Tuam. We were told by none less than the Taoiseach at a public meeting in Tuam that this hospital would be up and running by 2005 and would be a fully upgraded community hospital. However, there are now chains on the gate. One cannot even have a carpark in the grounds. What are we to do with the health board properties...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: That is a pity, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: What do the Minister and Department intend to do with the vast amount of property of the health boards? Are we going to force the health boards to sell it, grab the money and invest it in other areas? If the moneys from the sale of these properties are not invested in the health services locally, it will again be robbery by another Minister. The double-speak of the Minister of State and the...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Senator White has asserted that all the local councillors are glad to be off the health boards. She has told them it is sure that there will be one or two jobs for the boys or whatever it might be. They are quite content but the Senator should wait until the next election when she will have to state how she reneged on them. Today she is going through the lobbies to deny them access to the...

Seanad: Health (Amendment) Bill 2004: Second Stage. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Along with my party I am totally opposed to this legislation, which represents a retrograde step. We have no notion as to what are the Minister's intentions. We will abolish a structure without replacing it. We will have absolute chaos in the health services. This is further chaos for those in greatest need and the patient will be forgotten.

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: I support my colleagues' request that the Minister for Education and Science come to this House to discuss the matter of school assessment. It is regrettable we have received only a partial report on the pilot scheme which has been in place for a number of years. It is worth noting that all partners in education welcomed participation in whole school assessment. However, it is unfair of...

Seanad: Order of Business. (26 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: It will be made in a week or so.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (20 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Deputy Parlon is bringing it down to Laois. Tom will fix it.

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (20 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Who is getting that?

Seanad: Business of Seanad. (20 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Last month the Minister for Agriculture and Food was in the House to debate legislation to disband An Bord Glas. During that debate I asked him if he would take action in regard to the improper labelling of imported beef and salmon as Irish on the Irish market. I instanced for him an example of where food was being certified through one agent as Irish for Irish restaurants and hotels. This...

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (19 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: So has the Minister.

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (19 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: That is cloud cuckoo land.

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (19 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: Talk to the parents.

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (19 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: It is avoiding the issue.

Seanad: Autism Services: Statements (Resumed). (19 May 2004)

Ulick Burke: I am glad the Senator recognises that point.