Results 3,041-3,060 of 16,227 for speaker:Helen McEntee

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy rightly pointed out, this is an area we can be rightly proud of given the work and companies that have flourished in recent years. There has been significant investment in our arts sector overall, including our studio and film sector. In this year's budget there was a specific recognition of the work they do, the jobs they create but also what they add to our overall cultural...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: Come on now.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy has rightly acknowledged, there has been significant investment in UHL in recent years, including a 59% increase in funding, a 58% increase in the region overall in the satellite hospitals, as well as a 42% increase in the staff specifically. I do not have the exact details for the oncology area the Deputy mentioned, but of course we want to ensure that investment is going into...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I assure the Deputy one of my top priorities has been to increase the number of gardaí overall as well as to get our college up and running, having had to close it because of Covid-19 and the health challenges there. To increase numbers and get recruitment back to what it was, I have done a number of things. I have provided significant funding, increased the age at which people can...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I fully support the Deputy's call for the Leader of the Opposition to make a statement on recent claims concerning individuals in her party, particularly where it has become clear that child safety was not paramount and children were potentially put at further risk because of the actions and decisions of that party. It is essential child safety is to the fore of everything we do. I support...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I will have to come back to the Deputy on that.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I acknowledge the week that is in it and the time that has passed since that national tragedy. I am clear, as I think we all are, that families must get answers as to what happened to their loved ones and that we must ensure this never happens to any family again. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a Garda investigation under way. I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that a...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: It is extremely important we learn from the mistakes of the past and that we learn from the past, whether it is the banking crisis or any other issue. There are times when certain information cannot be put in the public domain, and while I am not clear why that decision has been taken, I have no doubt the Minister can explain or provide information on why those decisions have been taken. We...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: We have provided significant investment since 2020, with more than €56 million allocated specifically to the HSE for the implementation of the safe nurse staffing framework. This is on a phased basis nationally. Our health service has been funded again this year to expand its overall numbers but also to do so next year. However, it is important the HSE operates within its budget...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I think we all agree how important the adaptation grants are and how beneficial they are to so many people. The increase in thresholds and the changes are to make sure more people can avail of these vital supports. I cannot give the Deputy an answer on his request regarding the timelines but I can raise it directly with the Minister and ask him to get back to the Deputy about it.

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I fully agree. It is absolutely essential we have the appropriate number of dentists to be able to provide a vital service to people, children and adults alike. The figures I just mentioned about a 23% increase of staff overall for our health service includes 9,300 nurses and midwives, 4,000 health and social care but also 3,300 doctors and dentists, so funding has been provided to increase...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: I think we all agree and know that so often our small businesses, our coffee shops or cafés, are what makes Ireland a wonderful place to visit but also for people to live. You do not get in many other countries that kind of service or the kinds of cafés and shops we have. This Government is absolutely committed to supporting them and making sure not only that those businesses are...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: A record amount of funding is going into health, which means we are making progress in reducing the number of patients on trolleys nationwide. The Minister for Health chairs monthly meetings with senior HSE figures to drive improved performance. There has been a significant reduction in the cumulative daily 8 a.m. trolley count over the first eight months of 2024, with numbers down 11% to...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: We must appreciate that this Bill has had over 170 hours of debate, which is more than I have seen for any Bill during my time in this House. Deputies and Senators have had the opportunity to raise all of these matters on various Stages. The most important thing I hear from constituents, developers and those working in this sector is they need many of these amendments and this legislation...

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: The schedule has been set for the week, but if there is agreement in the House, time could potentially be found to discuss child safety and ensure every party has an opportunity to set out its procedures to ensure it. Child safety is paramount, whether it is in a political party or another type of organisation. The safety of the troops in Lebanon is paramount. There is daily engagement...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Prison Service (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: EU Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences establishes the conditions and procedure for the transfer of a custodial sentence between EU member states. This Framework Decision has been implemented in Ireland by the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023. I have been advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Crime Prevention (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions. I would like to assure the Deputy that I, and the whole Government, are committed to the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Residency Permits (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: The table below sets out the number of immigration residence permission cards (IRP cards) issued from January to August 2024. The final figures for September 2024 are not yet available. Month Total registrations/renewals nationwide (IRP cards issued). January 26,881 February 25,386 March 23,729 ...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: An Garda Síochána (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legal Aid (8 Oct 2024)

Helen McEntee: In its over forty years of operation, the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been a significant and beneficial public service, providing legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil disputes, including family law. However, since the Scheme was set up, Irish society has changed, and the demands on the service have grown. In June 2022, the Minister established the Civil Legal Aid Review...