Results 30,301-30,320 of 46,095 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (9 Nov 2017)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cannabis for Medicinal Use (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: For the purposes of clarity the following information may be helpful. The two most common active components found in cannabis oil are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). - CBD is derived from cannabis. However, since CBD is not psychoactive it is not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation, therefore does not require a licence. CBD oil is not authorised as a...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: A priority in the HSE's 2017 Service Plan is the development of Hospital Group strategic plans. The Dublin Midland Hospital Group is concluding the development of its multi-year strategic plan (Dublin Midlands Hospital Group Strategy 2018-2023) which focuses on developing clinical networks and pathways across hospitals and between hospitals and their primary and community care partners. ...

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Data (9 Nov 2017)

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: Medicinal Products Availability (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disease Management (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: Lyme disease is diagnosed by medical history and physical examination. The infection is confirmed by blood tests which look for antibodies produced by an infected person's body in response to the infection. These normally take several weeks to develop and may not be present in the early stages of the disease. The standard approach to Lyme diagnostics is a two-stage approach and involves...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances Provision (9 Nov 2017)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Delays (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: I acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families. Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018. Budget 2018 allocated additional funding in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Applications (9 Nov 2017)

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: HSE Funding (9 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy's question refers to operational matters I have referred it on to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply.

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to be back here in what seems to be a much bigger Seanad Chamber for the resumption of this very important Bill. It is landmark legislation and the first time ever as a country that we will introduce public health legislation on alcohol. I certainly do not intend to treat Committee Stage like Second Stage but, by way of a few introductory remarks, it is important to say that...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: We have all been, or have known someone who has been, affected negatively by the misuse of alcohol. Examining our own relationship with alcohol and addressing the damage it can cause will never be popular, nor will it necessarily be comfortable. Alcohol is an intrinsic part of our culture, and perhaps even of our identity, and to address the harms it can cause when it is misused requires...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: It is not the same as buying a loaf of bread or a litre of milk and it cannot be treated as such. There is significant misinformation and misunderstanding, however. I commit to the Seanad today that I will engage with small shops and their representatives to provide clarity on the flexible options available to meet the requirements of this legislation. However, I do not want today's...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: The Senator is not going to run there, is he?

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: In thanking Senator Norris for his support for the Bill, I assure him that the Fine Gael Party fully supports this Bill. It was in the Fine Gael manifesto and in the programme for Government. As Senator Boyhan noted, it was introduced by the present Taoiseach when he was Minister for Health and the Senator can read his comments on publishing this landmark Bill on the Department of Health's...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: I have heard a lot today. I thought legislation was complex until I started hearing about Senator Buttimer and Senator Craughwell's trips to nightclubs.

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: It does put things in perspective. I want to be brief as well because we are not on Second Stage and I am conscious that we have to get through a lot in quite a time efficient manner.

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: On amendment No. 14, I agree fully with what it is trying to do. I do not think anyone here could disagree with it. It is clearly trying to ensure that the Minister of the day has regard to data from health services relating to alcohol-related presentations at health facilities. That makes sense. I have examined the matter in a supportive manner but I believe section 10(5), as Senator...

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: It is €1.58.

Seanad: Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) (8 Nov 2017)

Simon Harris: Yes.