Results 7,281-7,300 of 15,268 for speaker:Kathleen Lynch

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Provision (4 Mar 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: As this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Other Questions: Rights of People with Disabilities (27 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The Government intends to proceed to ratification of the convention as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to ensure all necessary legislative and administrative requirements under the convention are met. As the Deputy may be aware, Ireland does not become party to treaties until it is first in a position to comply with the obligations imposed by them, including the amendment...

Other Questions: Rights of People with Disabilities (27 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: It is difficult to say "Yes" until we see the amendments. Our approach to this legislation has been unique. In my experience and in the experience of the officials in the Department there has never been such widespread consultation. It is still open-ended. We are still examining the matter. As recently as last week we met representative from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland to...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Care Services (27 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Provision (27 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: Today, all I can do is again point to specific issues of concern. The Government will come back on Report Stage to present amendments to each section and provision of the Bill, including the Long Title. It would have been a much better approach if Committee Stage could have been delayed until the Government was in a position to present its amendments. The timing of Committee Stage was not...

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: It might help the discussion if I continue.

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I am also of the view that in section 3 the current Short Title is misleading and incorrect. The Bill does not have any implications for paternal leave so I am unsure as to why it is in the Title. Any change to the Short Title might also have implications for the Long Title which only addresses current maternity leave legislation. I note the proposed amendments which would include adoptive...

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: This new right is given to fathers without any qualification and regardless of whether there is a continuing relationship between the parents, the circumstances of the conception, whether the father is spending time of any nature with his child or making any contribution to the child’s support. We cannot agree to reduce a woman’s entitlement and transfer it to a man without...

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: It would have been preferable not to have held Committee Stage until we were ready but as the old saying goes, we are where we are. We have to deal with it now.

Seanad: Parental Leave Bill 2013: Committee Stage (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I know Senator White is interested in this area, as she knows I am. If I make an opening contribution, it may put us in the frame of mind we all want. I know the Senator was not pushing for Committee Stage at this time as we are working on the matter. I thank Senator White and her colleagues for the opportunity to speak today on this important Bill. As I mentioned when we last discussed...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Services for People with Disabilities (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: The vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life. ...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Homes Support Scheme Applications (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Nursing Home Services (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 to 240, inclusive, and 242 to 249, inclusive, together. Government policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to appropriate quality long-term residential care, including the provision of financial...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Charities and Voluntary Organisations (26 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that Boardmatch Ireland is assisting in identifying replacement candidates to fill vacancies on the Board of the Central Remedial Clinic. As this is a service matter, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the HSE for investigation and a direct reply to the Deputy.

Topical Issue Debate: Cyber Bullying Issues (25 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I understand perfectly that people can become quite upset when they see horrendous things happening in their communities. I think we have all had that experience. I accept fully that there is a genuine concern in this whole area. The Deputy and I know that when a young person - a ten year old, a 14 year old or a 16 year old - is being bullied online, it usually involves someone else in his...

Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (25 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: Where a place is denied to a child with a disability, the reason usually given is that he or she is not ready for that level of education. This is where the new therapy posts will come in. The reconfiguration I have described is essential and the allocation of €4 million was very hard won. It is not about a diagnosis; it is about providing the interventions that are necessary at a...

Topical Issue Debate: Cyber Bullying Issues (25 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I am taking this important issue on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Cyberbullying is an issue of concern for all of us. Indeed, the Minister is conscious that there has been increased awareness of this issue as well as increased support for those who are the targets of bullying. A wide range of actions are already in place aimed at raising awareness among children and...

Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs Services Provision (25 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: I thank Deputy Creed for raising this matter. It is very obvious from his contribution that he has taken a considerable interest in this matter, which I appreciate. Notwithstanding the financial pressures on the health system, I assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the ongoing delivery of vital services and supports to children with disabilities to the greatest extent...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Commencement of Legislation (25 Feb 2014)

Kathleen Lynch: All Parts of the Disability Act 2005 have been commenced except for Part 2, relating to the Assessment of Need, which has been partly commenced. In 2008, the then Government decided, in the light of financial circumstances, to defer further commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004. The Assessment of Need...