Results 35,561-35,580 of 46,197 for speaker:Simon Harris

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: The Chairman made a good attempt. The first thing we must do, and I do not mean this in terms of the Chairman, is stop the debate on mental health funding being a debate on €35 million. The mental health budget for the delivery of mental health services in 2017 is €851.3 million. We have talked about the marginal figure for a large number of years. Last year, €826.6...

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: Yes.

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I do not want to comment on an individual case at this committee. I have the little bit of information that Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin was allowed to make public by Megan's parents to the media, but I would rather not get into the detail of that other than to say that I believe a second date has been offered for this month. I would be happy to discuss it off-----

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: No. I believe it is entirely relevant, but in this specific case I hope this girl gets her operation as quickly as possible. My priority has to be to put in place the plan from a policy perspective and from a HSE operational perspective that will bring waiting times for scoliosis in line with international norms. Four months is a huge improvement on where we were at, but it is right to try...

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: According to this, the output target in 2016 was 12,415. In fairness, I do not have the outturn but that is because it is not available yet. I will get the Deputy the outturn figure as soon as it is available. The target for this year, in terms of actual persons as opposed to percentages, is 14,365. Seventy-two per cent will be seen within 12 weeks or three months of being referred for an...

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I take the point the Chairman makes in respect of suicide, the huge amount of work that we have to do and his own interest in this issue. I will continue to work with the Chairman and the committee in this regard. I am pleased that the Chairman raised the issue of the HPV vaccine, which is something that we have discussed at the committee previously. The focus for 2017 is to counter...

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: It is not for discussion now but I want to briefly mention the issue of medicinal cannabis, if the Chairman would indulge me for 60 seconds. I am conscious that there is a lot of information, and, I worry, some misinformation, out there with regard to my function as Minister for Health. In recent days, I have read information and received messages from people asking that I merely sign an...

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: Yes, and without getting into individual cases it is known, and I have confirmed on the record of the House, that a licence was granted just before Christmas for one child to receive it. Without breaching confidentiality, the licence was supported by a paediatric neurologist.

Select Committee on Health: Estimates for Public Services 2017
Vote 38 - Health (Revised) (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I will have to go back to the chief medical officer for clarification, but my understanding is it would have to be the consultant caring for the patient. The Chairman will know better than any of us that when any drug is provided, how it interacts with the patient's overall condition and other medication and its dosage need to be monitored by somebody caring for the patient. It is correct...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cross-Border Health Services Provision (2 Mar 2017)

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 Health...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Availability (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In reaching its decision, the HSE examines all the evidence which may be relevant in its view for the decision (including the information /dossier submitted by the Company) and will take...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Procedures (2 Mar 2017)

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 scheduling...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Facilities (2 Mar 2017)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (2 Mar 2017)

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 scheduling...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Status (2 Mar 2017)

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 scheduling...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Delays (2 Mar 2017)

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 scheduling...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Card Eligibility (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 241 together. I have received permission from Government to publish the Health (Amendment) Bill 2017 which will enable the granting of full eligibility for general practitioner and other health services to all children in respect of whom a Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is paid. Granting a medical card to all children in respect of whom a DCA...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: As this matter relates to an individual case, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together. Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis or LB) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe. Lyme disease is the commonest...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (2 Mar 2017)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 to 196, inclusive, together. I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to your specific queries on the operation of mobile cath labs.