Results 8,941-8,960 of 74,100 for speaker:Bernard Durkan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: Are they similarly satisfied that no other interest representing the nuns, the Vatican or anywhere else, is likely to exert an influence that would in any way impede the hospital in the context of its responsibility and ability to extend the full range of services required under the legislation for women, women's health and the protection of life during pregnancy?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: In the context of the much-discussed issue of the difference between ownership and leasehold, are the witnesses satisfied that the lease gives them sufficient leverage, in the event of any situations developing, some of which have been discussed and some of which have not, in terms of their ability to be able to control what happens in the hospital thereafter? In other words, is it certain...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: One could call it ownership, then. Is that correct?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I am watching the clock very carefully. Unlike others, I have not exceeded the limits.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I presume everybody is of one opinion on the provision of the much-needed maternity support services, which need to be updated as a matter of urgency to meet the health requirements of women and children in our society. I ask the witnesses to confirm that this is the case and to emphasise if possible, the extent to which it is important to proceed as early as possible.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: The word "gifting" has come up several times recently. I acknowledge that the various religious institutions of all shades of opinion have in the past gifted hospital, sports facilities, schools and other facilities to a fair extent. Is such a gift subject to taxation? Is it subject to a particular issue and hence the necessity to have a nominal payment or otherwise? We are aware that,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: New National Maternity Hospital: Discussion (Resumed) (16 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: My final question is on the extent to which the investment by the taxpayer on the site is protected through the passage of time. For instance, is the taxpayer protected adequately in the event of circumstances, known or unknown, which might affect the arrangement?

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: Hepatitis C has always been regarded as a serious issue in Ireland. In the past few days, it would appear that a new form of the disease has been identified. Tragically, this has resulted in the death of at least one child. Will the Tánaiste indicate the extent to which the health services in general have been made aware of this particular issue and how best to combat it in the near future?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: As I have said here before, I strongly support the recommendations of the review. It should have taken place many years ago. I welcome the Minister's response. I support my colleague. Things are happening quickly now. It is much more quickly than in the past. They are likely to happen equally quickly in the future. One thing we need to do now is to recognise the pivotal role that will...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I have two questions in the group. We cannot overemphasise the urgency and necessity to implement the commission's recommendations. I know that when the time comes at Cabinet everything gets pushed to one side. The Ceann Comhairle will know about this because we have seen it in our respective constituencies in the past. I ask the Minister to become really aggressive at the Cabinet table...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts that are currently being made to implement the recommendations of the recent review of the Defence Forces; the way that this is likely to manifest itself in early initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23753/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Defence Forces (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 48. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the review of the Defence Forces is being implemented at present; the steps already taken and that remain to be carried out in this regard; if a degree of urgency will be applied to the work in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23752/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Transport (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I appreciate the Minister's interest in this particular issue as it affects all schools, or most schools, throughout the country. There are particular sensitive issues in many cases where parents, including the parents of children with special needs, are forced to drive their children to school even though the relevant bus already passes their door. They must drive their children to school...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. By way of a supplementary question, will she outline the extent to which there is an awareness of the increased demands arising from increases in the population, both natural and indigenous increases as well as increases in the number of refugees who have to be accommodated in the country. Are sufficient resources readily available...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: I wish to ascertain the relationship between the upcoming need at all levels and the response. To what degree are the efforts co-ordinated between the two to make the provision available on time, to ensure there are no delays and thus avoid any negative consequences?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the availability of special needs teachers and accommodation in all primary and second-level schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23751/22]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Special Educational Needs (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: My question seeks to ascertain the availability of accommodation, special needs classes, special needs teachers, special needs assistants, SNAs, etc. in all schools throughout the country at both primary and secondary levels.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision is being made to facilitate additional accommodation requirements in all primary and second-level schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23750/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Prices (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 172. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current position in regard to the payment of Government subsidy towards ESB bills throughout the country; when all payments are likely to be concluded including to those on pay-as-you-go arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24084/22]

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Energy Prices (12 May 2022)

Bernard Durkan: 173. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current position in regard to the payment of a Government subsidy towards ESB bills to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24085/22]