Results 4,281-4,300 of 11,454 for speaker:Mary Butler

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Assisted Human Reproduction (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank the Senator for giving me, on behalf of the Minister for Health, this opportunity to inform the House on the progress made to date in respect of introducing the regulation of international surrogacy. I acknowledge, and thank her for, all the work she has done in regard to surrogacy. The undertaking of surrogacy arrangements in other jurisdictions raises complex ethical questions...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Assisted Human Reproduction (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank the Senator for sharing her personal experience. I can understand her upset and frustration. It must be borne in mind, however, that policy and legislative proposals that may arise following the completion of the Department's examination of the committee's recommendation will require consideration and approval by Government. The Senator will be aware that, overall, there are...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Rail Network (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank both Senators. In fairness, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is currently in the Dáil taking a Private Members' motion on the cost-of living challenges and different issues. He was in situas I was leaving the Dáil Chamber. On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Senators for the opportunity to address the issue before the House. It is not my area of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Rail Network (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank both Senators for their comments and interest in the important issue of rail infrastructure concerning their counties of Wexford and Wicklow. If we are serious about climate change, rail infrastructure must be important. I have further news. Iarnród Éireann has been monitoring this line and the effects of coastal erosion on it for...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Childcare Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I listened intently to what the Deputy said. The one thing we have to consider is that this is a voluntary scheme. Some 90% of providers overall have signed up to it but, as the Deputy said, it varies from 81% in some areas to 100% in others. There are positives here in that there is a total annual budget of €221 million to support the childcare sector. This includes €138...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Dental Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: As I mentioned, additional funding has been provided to resolve the current problems with accessing the dental treatment services scheme. The preventive scale and polish, which has been reintroduced, is being accessed by patients. However, the Minister and the Government recognise that the current model of provision of oral healthcare is in need of fundamental reform. I think we all agree...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Childcare Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank Deputy Richmond for raising this really important issue and offering the opportunity to respond. The biggest issue anybody with young children will deal with is trying to make sure they are well cared for and looked after before and after school. On 15 September, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth launched Together for Better, which is the new...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Dental Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of access to dental treatment for medical card holders. She is right, and there is nothing she has said with which I could disagree. It is the same in every constituency office and the situation is difficult the length and breadth of the country, more so in some areas than others. Swords in north County Dublin has a large population. I am taking...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Homes (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services (21 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Policy (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I will take on board what Deputy O’Donnell said and feed it back to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. What the Minister said, as Deputy O’Donnell said, the transitional arrangement ensures that near-term delivery will continue, mindful that increasing the percentage could make developments unviable where the original financial appraisal had been based on...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: It is important to point out that 124,000 tickets for the mainstream scheme alone have been issued to applicants and 124,000 children are on the bus. As part of the cost-of-living packages introduced by the Government, they are able to travel to school by bus free of charge. Notwithstanding that there are difficulties, that point cannot be lost. All present accept this is very important...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: The review will consider how the scheme currently operates, its broader effectiveness and sustainability and that it adequately supports the provision of services to students and their families. The review encompasses the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs. The review of the primary and post-primary school transport schemes will examine each element of...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Housing Policy (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank the Deputy for his question. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy O'Brien. Under Housing for All, the Government's strategy to increase housing supply, we have an ambitious target to deliver 300,000 new homes in the next decade. This includes social, affordable purchase, cost rental, private rental, and private ownership...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I thank the Deputies for raising these matters. As discussed with the Deputies, I am taking this debate on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley, who is unfortunately unavailable this evening due to another commitment. Deputy Cronin asked about the transport issues in Waterford. I am a mother of three and for the past 17 years, including this year, I have put somebody on the school bus....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: Some 25 students are using private transport and the Deputy has exhausted all avenues and spoken to Local Link. I will certainly bring that back to the Minister on her behalf. What I have found in my constituency office is that if there are two or three children in a particular area, it is very difficult. However, when there are 25 students, it is easier to deal with that. It is very hard...

Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: I met the society.

Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: We have the funding.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: School Staff (20 Sep 2022)

Mary Butler: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. It is lovely to see the students in the Seanad. I passed them as I was walking down the corridor from the Dáil. They are welcome, as are their teachers. I thank the Senator for raising this issue. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. This affords me the opportunity to outline the position...