Results 11,941-11,960 of 40,550 for speaker:Joan Burton

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The Deputy asked questions and, in all fairness, I have given her the answers. Her third question was on rent control. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, is reviewing it to see if it is possible to bring in rent certainty into how rents are structured, a move which I strongly support. This is detailed work which will require levels of...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: I have listened to people suggesting raising rents is the way to deal with the issue. The Government has launched the largest ever social housing investment programme in the budget.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The Deputy asked from where the money will come? The money has been provided in the budget.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The local authorities have to make detailed plans for social housing. Many Members were members of local authorities in the past and know the local authorities must identify the land on which social housing will be built. If that land is ready to go, then they have to bring those plans to the fore as quickly as possible and get building under way. That is what they have been tasked to do by...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: Recently in Fingal County Council, some councillors, apparently on the left, voted against the provision of social housing.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The generally accepted best medical standard for dialysis treatment is to have it as close to the patient as possible either through their local hospital or other local health services. In some cases, it is now possible to do this at home or in a local community-based facility. My understanding from what the Deputy said is that due to a legal challenge arising from a dispute between private...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: On waiting lists, the number of inpatient and day cases at the end of November 2014 was 61,000, of which 12,500 had exceeded the target waiting time of eight months for a procedure-----

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: -----while the cases of more than 2,000 children had exceeded the target paediatric waiting time of 20 weeks for a procedure. As I said, three out of four receive treatment within the target times. However, that is not satisfactory and it is the job of the Minister for Health to improve it.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: In 2014 the number of patients waiting in excess of 12 months for an outpatient appointment was over 55,000. Again, while I am not satisfied with this, it does mean that approximately 85% of outpatients were waiting less than 12 months for an appointment.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: Up to the end of November, there had been a 3% increase in outpatient attendances, as compared with the figure for 2013. This means that 98,000 more patients were seen. The reality in the health service is that the vast majority of patients are being seen. I agree with the Deputy that for anybody who has been waiting a lengthy period to be seen, it is distressing and that changes to their...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The Deputy will be aware that prior to Christmas, the Government launched an action plan to address homelessness. As discussed previously, not all of the beds provided were taken up before Christmas. However, once the new year arrived, there was a significant increase in the take-up of these beds. Under the action plan, an additional 271 beds were put in place. The number and availability...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: As per the Minister's commitment, additional beds will be brought on stream should the need arise. The Government shares this commitment. The Minister recently updated the Cabinet on how the protocol had worked. I take the opportunity to pay tribute to all of the voluntary and advocacy organisations which worked on this issue with officials of the local authorities and the Department. I...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: As I said, once the new year arrived, the number seeking a bed increased. This was not the case before Christmas, at which time some people, including in the media, were talking about vacancies. Should additional capacity be required, it will be provided. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald also asked about the provision of additional accommodation and the protocol in this regard. The needs of a...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Obviously, I am not aware of the details of the case he has raised. In the case of Caroline – I think the Deputy said that was her name - he would want to make detailed representations on the specifics of the case to the Minister. I am not in a position to respond here and now. The Government is committed to reducing numbers on waiting...

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: By way of a direct query, the Minister for Health would deal with the specific case mentioned.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: I am not happy that we are not meeting all of the targets set, but it does mean that three out of four are receiving treatment within the target times and that there is significant investment in the development of better practices in order that, in particular anyone, such as the lady referred to, who has been waiting over 18 months, will be dealt with.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: I am not aware of it.

Leaders' Questions (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: The Deputy is already in discussion with the Minister for Health of the details of the cases mentioned. I do not have the details of all the numbers which would be available to the Minister for Health. As I said, the Deputy should continue to discuss it with the Minister who has the details.

Other Questions: Child Benefit Administration (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: I am not sure the Deputy's final point is correct. On the issue of whether a child attends school or receives home schooling, the Constitution provides that parents have a significant role in decisions regarding their children. The legislation must reflect the constitutional rights of all citizens. The good news I have for the Deputy is that the troika left town some time ago. I note a...

Other Questions: Child Benefit Administration (5 Feb 2015)

Joan Burton: Control checks are important and play a significant role in cases where people are changing residence or moving to another country.