Results 381-400 of 1,997 for speaker:Frances Black

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: I want to talk about the national director and the importance of a national director. It is shocking to hear Dr. Hillery say that the Minister was not told when the national director was got rid of. To be honest, I was not aware of that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: Will the witnesses speak about the importance of a national director because it is one of the key things that should happen, particularly around mental health?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: Did Mr. Farrelly want to come in there?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: It is really important. It is probably the one huge middle piece of the jigsaw or cog in the wheel that one needs. It is absolutely vital to get a national director.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: Exactly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: I thank the witnesses so much.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: I thank the witnesses and wish Dr. Burke and Mr. Kelly well in their new roles. We have to remember the workers who work in CAMHS. They do a phenomenal amount of work and I have no doubt they are probably burnt out a lot of the time with the work they do. With regard to the Mental Health Commission's report, does Mr. Walsh agree with what it said, that there is a lack of governance and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: I will come to the staffing issue. It is quite shocking to think there is only one CHO that is fully staffed. We are in an actual crisis. Will the witnesses give an overview of what the staffing issues are? What is going on? What is happening with regard to staffing? I think it was CHO 7 Mr. Kelly spoke about earlier and said cannot it get staffing. What are the issues? Is it because...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: This morning the witnesses from the Mental Health Commission spoke about the importance of a national director. I believe a national director is needed just to put mental health on the map and to make mental health a priority. What is Mr. Walsh's feeling about having a national director? Does he think it would possibly make his life easier and be that core piece that is missing when it...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: Is Mr. Walsh saying that he does not think a national director is a good idea?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Discussion (11 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: Okay. I thank Mr. Walsh.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (10 Oct 2023)

Frances Black: I thank the Cathaoirleach. As others have said, what is happening in Palestine and Israel right now is absolutely heartbreaking. I extend heartfelt condolences to all the Israeli and Palestinian people who have lost loved ones. Thousands are dead and many more will likely die in the coming days and weeks. If we want this cycle of violence and repression to end, we need to understand and...

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: I apologise for the delay. I spoke yesterday about underpaid childcare workers and today I am going to speak about underpaid criminal barristers. Senator McDowell might have an interest in this-----

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: -----as will Senator Ward.

Seanad: An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: In any case, they are quite different jobs but they are both essential roles that are going unfilled because of inadequate pay. Ireland is a very expensive place to live and public services and essential social functions are becoming increasingly strained because the people providing them are not being paid enough. Next week, on 3 October, members of the Irish Criminal Bar Association will...

Seanad: Rights-Based Care Economy: Motion (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: I too am very pleased to support this motion on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group. I am grateful to Senator O'Loughlin and the Irish Women's Parliamentary Caucus for producing such an expansive and detailed motion about such a timely and important set of interlocking issues. There is no doubt but that this motion addresses gender equality, social justice, disability rights, the politics...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Update on Sláintecare Reforms (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: I have only one or two questions. I will try to keep my contribution short. I am happy to see the workforce has increased by 19% since the end of August. It is powerful to hear that all categories are ahead of target. That represents numbers within the HSE and section 38 agencies. Will the witnesses provide a percentage for the workforce within the mental health sector?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Update on Sláintecare Reforms (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: Would that be okay?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Update on Sláintecare Reforms (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: If Ms Hoey could send me some detail in that regard, it would be helpful. With regard to the public only consultants contract, POCC, it was reported previously that over 50% of Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, consultants would not switch and over 60% of junior doctors said they would not take up the contract. Since then, have prospects improved? I apologise if that question has already...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Update on Sláintecare Reforms (27 Sep 2023)

Frances Black: With regard to extending services to seven days, Mr. Gloster said in his opening statement that engagement has commenced. People are left waiting over the weekend to access the likes of psychiatry, psychology and counselling services, which are critical supports. These are our most vulnerable people and they cannot afford to wait over the weekend in the hope of securing an appointment early...