Results 821-840 of 2,723 for speaker:Barry Andrews

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I understand the report is substantially complete and that the issue of publication is related to the criminal prosecution and the sentencing which, as the Deputy observed, is due next Friday. Obviously, I have not seen it and cannot comment on what issues might arise in respect of publication. However, I assure the House that the inquiry is being chaired by a person in whom everyone in...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: Deputy Shatter obviously is trying to refer to the publication he effected this morning.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: He clearly is drawing an analogy with what he did this morning. It was most unfortunate and irresponsible to do so in the circumstances in which it was done. Had Deputy Shatter asked either the HSE or me, I would have been able to assure him that every step was being taken to try to effect that publication, having regard to balancing the rights to which I referred earlier.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is unfortunate that he should try to draw on that issue. However, if he insists on so doing-----

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: With respect, Deputy Shatter is trying to ask everyone in this House and everyone who is watching this debate to suspend reality and to ignore what happened this morning. To state there is no analogy between what he is talking about now and what occurred this morning is simply a fantasy of his own making.

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I apologise if I am being unnecessarily contentious but it is important to re-emphasise that difficulties always arise in respect of the publication of this type of report. It is crucial for public confidence in our child welfare and protection service that they are published. It is for this reason that the Government has ensured that HIQA will provide the HSE with guidance in the matter of...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: From the moment of my appointment, it became clear to me that child welfare and protection would have to be a priority in the discharge of my functions and this continues to be the case. One key element in the restoration of public trust in that part of our health service is to ensure that reports like these are published. To suggest, as has been suggested on the floor of this Chamber...

Child Abuse. (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is difficult to publish such reports. While no attempt is made to cover them up, it simply is a matter of trying to balance rights.

Written Answers — Proposed Legislation: Proposed Legislation (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is drafting the Heads for the National Vetting Bureau Bill. It is expected that the Heads of Bill will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks. Formal consultations have taken place with the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and colleagues in...

Written Answers — Adoption Services: Adoption Services (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: Applicants for adoption must undergo a detailed statutory assessment process. This is undertaken by professional Social Workers and must be approved by the Adoption Board before a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt can be issued by the Board. I acknowledge that persons applying for adoption have experienced unacceptably long delays as regards waiting times for assessment. I...

Written Answers — Youth Services: Youth Services (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: The Children and Youth Services Development Unit of my Office provided a grant of €111,586 to the Bru Youth Service under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and current funding of €241,500 under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (Round 2 funding stream) in 2009. The budget for 2010 for the Children and Youth Services Development Unit is €64.89m. The process of...

Written Answers — Preschool Services: Preschool Services (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I have responsibility for implementation of the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme which was introduced in January of this year. The scheme is open to children who are aged more than 3 years and 2 months and less than 4 years 7 months at 1 September each year. This means that children born between 2 February 2005 and 30 June 2006 qualified for a free...

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (3 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to public service industrial action involving members of IMPACT, the Department has not been in a position to obtain current information from the HSE as to when a reply will issue to Parliamentary Question No. 309 of 26 January 2010. The position at 26th February 2010 was that the HSE was still awaiting a reply from one Area but that an interim response...

Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: It is encouraging and positive to see Private Members' time being taken up with proposed legislation, albeit legislation devised by the Law Reform Commission. It is fitting that Private Members' time should be used in this way given that we are primarily a legislative body. While motions have their uses from time to time, this is the best use of Private Members' time. Deputy Timmins...

Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) Bill 2009: Second Stage (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: That is to the Deputy's credit. This has been a collaborative effort between the Government and the Opposition. The public is crying out for that type of co-operation rather than the usual Punch and Judy stuff that goes on. We may pretend we are vicious fighting factions but the truth is far from that. We work best when we work together. In this case there has been a commonality of views...

Written Answers — Children in Care: Children in Care (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I am giving consideration to the legal position with regard to the provision of aftercare services, having regard to the existing legislative provisions as set out in the Child Care Act 1991. I had a positive meeting recently with Focus Ireland in this regard. The Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009 Implementation Plan states: The provision of aftercare by the HSE...

Written Answers — Adoption Services: Adoption Services (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 to 188, inclusive, together. The Information and Tracing Unit in the Adoption Board provides an advice and referral service for those seeking to trace or to obtain medical or personal information. This unit provides services directly to adoptees, natural mothers and birth families. It also works closely with the registered adoption societies and the HSE...

Written Answers — Foster Care: Foster Care (2 Mar 2010)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to an intensification of industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE may not be in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.

Written Answers — Hospital Services: Hospital Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Child Care Services: Child Care Services (25 Feb 2010)

Barry Andrews: The company in question is participating in both the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) and the Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, both of which are implemented by my Office. The CCSS provides support funding to community based not for profit child care services to enable them to charge reduced fees to disadvantaged and low income working parents....