Results 35,781-35,800 of 46,197 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Narcolepsy Issues (23 Feb 2017)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Narcolepsy Issues (23 Feb 2017)

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

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: Since our last meeting, there has been a significant spotlight on aspects of our health service which are of great public concern and which I will address in my opening statement. However, at the outset, I want to be very clear that my resolve and my determination to improve our health service has only been strengthened. Members know that I believe this requires an all-party effort and that...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: Has it not been circulated?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: It is circulated.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I thank the Chairman. With the agreement of the committee, it might be best if I respond to whatever is appropriate for each person and then ask the director general to continue. I thank Deputy Kelly for his questions. I know he has been championing better pathways for emergency departments for some time. I think he is right. I will ask the HSE to outline the increase it has already...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I am working to try to fulfil that, as the Deputy has asked me to today.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I will take the South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel and Our Lady's Hospital Cashel together, since the Deputy and I visited both of them together. The HSE and I believe we can do more in Cashel. I will ask the HSE to comment on that. I expect to receive a paper in the next couple of weeks about what we can do in Cashel while admitting that will require funding and it will be my...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I will ask the HSE to comment but I understand the HSE leadership made a decision on that. I will ask it to speak to that. In fact, I will ask the HSE representatives to speak on the other questions asked by the Deputy before moving on to those of Deputy O'Reilly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: That would be important. Deputy Alan Kelly is raising an important issue. The law of the land is clear on the process. It is clinicians who examine drugs but I take the point the Deputy made on other countries funding the drug. I ask that, as a group of public representatives, we make a call on this in light of the point the director general makes. When a drugs company allows patients...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I do not have the commercial details. The Deputy and I do not know the engagement that may have taken place or the offers that may have been made by the drug company in those countries. This is why the HSE will follow up with the Deputy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: It is important that drug companies do not-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: With respect, we should talk about it a bit because the drug company has an obligation.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: Sure.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: Sure.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: The Deputy has a keen interest in the NTPF.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I do. I will answer the questions relating to me and I will ask the officials from the HSE to answer the questions about staffing levels and stretch targets. They will also set out where we are at with the anomaly scans, although I would like to emphasise that the national woman and infants health programme is prioritising such scans. I want to see how much information the committee can be...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: The Deputy is right. The cost of this might fluctuate. There could be a child at home today whose parent is granted domiciliary care allowance. Equally, as the Deputy will acknowledge, the overall number of people in receipt of medical cards is decreasing as people return to work and lose their cards three years later.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: It could be because of the recovery. We will have that debate somewhere else.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update on Health Issues: Discussion (22 Feb 2017)

Simon Harris: I know that the important health matter raised by the Deputy is a matter of genuine concern for people. I expect people to be able to see this legislation next week. I have already asked the Government Chief Whip to get it into the House and through both Houses as quickly as possible. While I do not wish to speak for the HSE, I am aware that it is preparing people to be able to register...