Results 1,161-1,180 of 1,886 for speaker:Fergal Browne

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: That remains to be seen. We learned recently that the previous Minister for Health and Children spent €30 million on commissioning reports. We have still not received the full figure but I understand approximately 150 reports were commissioned during his five year tenure during which approximately €2 million was spent on public relations and spin. This damages the perception of the role...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Trust and integrity are important.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: One of the Government parties appears to be retreating from a deal agreed unanimously by the Government on Tuesday.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I am merely referring to the issue. The main issue is that we will not have real reform of the health service. When I asked members of staff of the South Eastern Health Board the areas to which they would be redeployed, they were uncertain about where they would end up. Higher ranking officials in the health boards are concerned that they may lose out. All health board staff need to know...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: It is not a question of us blaming the Minister but one of whether she will accept blame on behalf of the Government.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: In transport, it is frustrating that when one tables a parliamentary question on roads, one is told the issue has nothing to do with the Minister and is a matter for the NRA. We have created a new layer of bureaucracy in that area. Fine Gael worries the same will happen in health. We all know it is difficult under the current system to get replies to questions from the health boards with such...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I will do so. This aspect needs further consideration. Section 29 sets out requirements on the drawing up of a corporate plan by the health executive. Section 32 provides for a service plan. However, these plans are nothing new; they existed under the old system but have not been effective. The Bill makes no mention of targets for improved service delivery and better value for money. The...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I know they are compelled to attend but in reality we will be doing well if they attend once or twice a year. That fact will be borne out in years to come. Fine Gael has particular concerns about section 55 which restricts a complaints officer from making a recommendation which would require an amendment of the executive service plan or of another body's arrangement with the executive for...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: The person concerned may not have believed he was in a position to carry out his duties.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I have qualified my remarks by saying that is my personal view.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I have, perhaps, said enough at this stage. I may also have said too much.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: Fine Gael has grave concerns about this legislation. I appealed to the Leader of the House this morning to ensure that when debating Committee Stage we are not afforded the same treatment as that given to the Dáil where many of the amendments tabled where not dealt with in detail. The issue of health is too serious to mess with. There is an onus on us as parliamentarians to ensure the...

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: That is not true.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I make constructive comments but Senator Feeny does not listen.

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Second Stage. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: How will this be benchmarked for us to know it is a better service? What targets have been established?

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I plead with the Leader of the House that next week when the Health Bill is being taken it would not be rushed through the House as happened in the other House yesterday. I regard as disgraceful the manner in which the Government brought forward many amendments on Report Stage.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: I wish to explain the background.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: The Bill will come to the House next week but it has not been properly debated——

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: It will be here today but Committee Stage will be taken next week, I presume. Disability groups and other groups have not been given a chance to look at the amendments.

Seanad: Order of Business. (10 Dec 2004)

Fergal Browne: The Government has overturned amendments on Committee Stage. It is a very important Bill and the time limit on discussing it seems to have moved. This House should debate it properly because it was not properly debated in the other House. I understand the schools building programme may be announced next week and this may be an opportune time to invite the Minister for Education and Science to...