Results 661-680 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Climate Change: Statements (6 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The Department of Health continues to work with key stakeholders within the wider health sector and other key sectors to identify the priority actions associated with climate change adaptation for the health sector. The Department has been represented on the national adaptation steering committee since 2014 and more recently on the Government's high-level climate action steering group...

Climate Change: Statements (6 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to update the House on this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, who cannot be present. Climate change adaptation planning within the health sector is crucial and involves two key areas, those being, the protection of the health and well-being of our population and ensuring the resilience of our health service so...

Seanad: Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Second Stage (6 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: It would be remiss of me not to begin by thanking Senator Noone for the work she did with the committee, and all the people who sat on the committee. I also thank the people who, on both sides, spoke at times with great emotion. Behind all the emotion, the debate was really about the health and well-being of our society. No matter what side one was on in this debate, it is important to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (6 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together. The 'Drugs Initiative' allocation of €6.987 million in the Department of Health's Vote for 2018 and 2019 was determined as part of the 2018 and 2019 budget and estimates process approved by the Government. In 2018 over €5.25 million was allocated to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces by the Department of Health under the 'Drugs...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Maternity Hospital (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Senator Devine. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris. I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this matter. The National Maternity Hospital, NMH, was originally established at Holles Street in 1894. The buildings have aged considerably over the years and, understandably, have accrued significant infrastructural problems which have impacted on...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: National Maternity Hospital (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: That is fine. I will just read the response I have been given by the Minister, Deputy Harris. I reaffirm to the House that the Minister's commitment is to this hugely important project and similarly his commitment is to ongoing progressive development of the maternity services in this country. The new national maternity hospital is a key strategy pillar in the development of those...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The Health Service Executive has overall responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services. The Executive has advised that the vast majority of people who wish to detoxify off tablets such as benzodiazepines or similar substances are appropriate to treat in a community setting. The Department of Health and Children published Benzodiazepine Best Practice Guidelines in 2002....

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Provision (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: As the question relates to service matters, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The OECD Health Committee has been developing a comparative analysis of international strategies to address and prevent problematic opioid use, and their effectiveness in reducing or preventing opioid-related harm. Officials from the Department of Health have been engaging with international agencies in order to improve responses to this worrying trend that has resulted in the loss of many...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 to 197, inclusive, together. A number of Government policies aim to support the design and development of built environments that enhance health, wellbeing and quality of life for all. The National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) and the national Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) both require that joint action is taken to promote the importance of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: 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: HSE Funding (5 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Seanad: Annual National Transition Statement on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development: Statements (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I am grateful to have the opportunity to update the House on this important matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris. Climate change adaptation planning within the health sector is crucial. It involves two key areas, first, the protection of the health and well-being of our population and, second, ensuring the resilience of our health service so it can continue to operate during...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Departmental Funding (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The National Governing Body referred to by the Deputy has not received any funding from this Department within the time period referred to.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Provision (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: 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: Health Services Provision (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I understand that the centre to which the Deputy refers has received funding from the HSE and TUSLA. I am advised by the HSE that the closure of the centre is a decision of the board of the centre. The HSE acknowledges this decision and wish to pay tribute to the work of the centre over the years.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Provision (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The Reception & Integration Agency in the Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for the provision of accommodation for protection applicants while they await a decision on their claim for international protection. Accommodation is offered to applicants while their protection claim is being processed. Services for persons seeking protection (those in RIA provided...

Written Answers — Department of Health: HIV Incidence (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre advises that the weekly HIV notification reports for 2018 are provisional. I remain concerned about these provisional figures that show a rise in HIV infection. The HIV Annual Report for 2017 from the Centre was recently published. It is the latest annual trend data for HIV in Ireland. The report referred to 492 new diagnoses of HIV in Ireland in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Community (4 Dec 2018)

Catherine Byrne: Health and wellbeing are not evenly distributed across society. There are socially excluded groups who experience extreme health inequalities. Such groups include Travellers, homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers and people with addiction issues. Reducing health inequalities can deliver real benefits for society and for future generations. It requires interventions to address the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Placement (29 Nov 2018)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Deputy. As the Deputy has already mentioned, the Minister, Deputy McHugh, could not be present and he apologises. It is due to a prior commitment between an Tánaiste and himself. I will set out for the Dáil the position with regard to post-primary provision in Newbridge and the surrounding areas. As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education and Skills...