Results 5,981-6,000 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I welcome our guests and thank them for their comprehensive presentations and the information they made available to the committee. What are the most urgently required changes in legislation, practice or governance that might be introduced in the shortest possible time to improve the extent and availability of pharmacy services to the community?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: Regarding contraception services, have adequate measures been taken to protect the access to pharmacy premises? Can more be done? Has any action has been taken by others outside the system to discourage people or to highlight people's attendance? Anybody who attends a doctor, a pharmacist or any other body for that matter has the right to attend anonymously. They should not have to salute...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I think there were two questions in that. I can introduce another one.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: My next question is about attracting and retaining pharmacists for the future. What action are the organisations represented here taking? We have a rapidly increasing population and there is an obvious need to plan for the future. How much of that planning is taking place now? Do pharmacists have adequate plans in place to meet the challenges of the future?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: To what extent are pharmacies in ongoing digital contact with hospitals, GP practices etc. with a view to ensuring the comprehensive availability of services and sufficient dialogue between all those providing services?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: My final question is on reimbursements, which is a favourite phrase that comes across our desks regularly. What experiences have the witnesses had that cause them difficulties with reimbursement in the course of their work? What areas are most prominent? We know where they are, but it is no harm to be reminded again.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: Another particular bone of contention is the issue of new and orphan drugs. They are being checked and passed for use in the EU and a second check is done here, which delays availability to patients. Does the Irish Pharmacy Union have a particular position on this? Cystic fibrosis patients and a number of other patients suffering from various illnesses see the availability of a drug which...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: The Role of Pharmacy Care in the Healthcare System: Irish Pharmacy Union (8 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: It is an issue that needs to be moved on.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 75. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will indicate this country’s total debt as a percentage of GDP, GNP and GNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/23]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: This question relates to the extent of our national debt and how it impacts on our GNP, GDP, GNI or whatever, how that presents us and how accurate the measurements are.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. I ask by way of a supplementary the extent to which Ireland is fairly treated in the international arena by the measurements to which the Minister referred, namely, GDP, GNP and GNI. Do these measurements serve the best purpose from the point of view of the projection of Ireland's image abroad in the financial services sector?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I again thank the Minister. By way of a final supplementary, is the Minister satisfied Ireland's interests are best served, notwithstanding the comments made by some well-known commentators to the effect that questions are being raised about the manner in which we measure our economic performance that suggest there is a doubt? I do not believe there is. We have accurately reflected what...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister for his earlier reply. The question still remains as to whether the experience between now and September will be included in calculating a decision that might affect future jobs and services and a plethora of areas that may come to light in the meantime. Will the Minister look at this?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Tax Code (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: I agree with the previous speakers. Has an evaluation has been done of the possible negative impact and the cost to the various sectors that might be negatively affected? How does that balance against the costs so far outlined by his good self?

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Economic Data (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 131. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which positive conclusions can be drawn from this country’s economic performance when considered alongside other eurozone countries and all other European countries; if the methodology for the measurement of the economy here continues to be robust and accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11301/23]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Primary Medical Certificates (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 259. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update in respect of when the issue regarding primary medical certificates will be resolved in order to facilitate those whose cases are in abeyance for some time in the first instance, and to meet the requirements of persons with disabilities who have mobility problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11568/23]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Inflation Rate (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 252. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor economic progress with a view to ensuring that inflation continues to be curbed and that the reduction in inflation is passed on to the consumer by way of lower prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6897/23]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Inflation Rate (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 253. To ask the Minister for Finance when it is likely that measures to reduce inflation will be passed on to the consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6898/23]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Cost of Living Issues (7 Mar 2023)

Bernard Durkan: 255. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he can continue to take measures to control the cost of living without contributing to inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11564/23]