Results 1,461-1,480 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Written Answers — Department of Health: Misuse of Drugs (3 May 2017)

Catherine Byrne: Under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive 2015/1535/EU, Member States are required to inform the European Commission of any new regulations or standards which may create a barrier to the free movement of goods. The new Misuse of Drug legislation has the potential to affect trade, in particular because of the introduction of a requirement for import licences for certain...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Rehabilitation Clinics (3 May 2017)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Funding (2 May 2017)

Catherine Byrne: The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) was rolled out across communities, both urban and rural, in April 2015 and will run until 31 December 2017. The aim of SICAP is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. SICAP is a key priority of Government and its vision is to improve the life...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Prescriptions Data (2 May 2017)

Catherine Byrne: Medication therapy is one of a number of tools available to health professionals for the treatment of children with mental health difficulties. It is however essential that the medicines in question are safe and that appropriate prescribing guidelines are followed by the health professional treating the child. Before a medicine is made available to the public, it undergoes an...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (2 May 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1052 and 1065 together. Government is committed to putting a new National Drugs Strategy in place from 2017 onwards, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee with an independent chair has been established to advise me on the new Strategy. This committee has been mandated to develop an integrated public health approach to substance misuse,...

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Staff Recruitment (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I wish to make a number of comments. Deputy Gallagher has requested a meeting with the Minister and I will certainly pass on that request. It is my understanding from the reply that every effort is being made to fill the post but, unfortunately, it has not yet been filled. The Deputies have clearly indicated their concerns in respect of the service in Letterkenny University Hospital. As a...

Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Staff Recruitment (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I offer the apologies of the Minister who, unfortunately, cannot be present. I do not know specifically where he is but I have been asked to take this matter on his behalf. In 2007, in recognition of the particular and unique geographical circumstances applying to Donegal, the Department set out a clear policy direction approved by Government that the Letterkenny breast cancer service...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Wind Energy Guidelines (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. I thank Senator Leyden for raising this issue. Since May 2016, the Minister has liaised closely with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, having regard to his responsibility for renewable energy policy, on the focused review of the 2006...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Staff Recruitment (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: No.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Staff Recruitment (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: The Minister apologises for his absence. I will relay the Senator's concerns about the failure on occasion of Ministers to appear in the Chamber to deal with Commencement matters. A paediatric insulin pump service was initiated in May 2015. The service is based in Sligo University Hospital, with outreach clinics in Letterkenny University Hospital. The Saolta University Healthcare Group...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Staff Recruitment (13 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I have taken a note of it and will ask the Minister to communicate with the Senator on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (12 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: Government is committed to putting a new National Drugs Strategy in place from 2017 onwards, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee with an independent chair has been established to advise me on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy. I understand that the Steering Committee is continuing with its deliberations with a view to presenting its final report to me...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing (11 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will be taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney. A range of measures is being taken under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness to increase housing supply overall, with the aim of creating a functioning and sustainable housing system which can meet housing demand at more affordable prices. The plan is divided into five pillars, with...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing (11 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Deputy for his contribution and appreciate his concerns. I had a huge interest in the matter as a member of a local authority during the time that affordable housing was being issued. Many young people got their first kickstart into buying a home for themselves that way. These issues are included in the policy of the €5.3 billion that has been allocated by the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Data (11 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 508 and 509 together. I think it is very important to monitor trends in the prescription of psychotropic drugs in Ireland including to children and young adults. It is also important to ensure that prescribing policies are evidence based thereby ensuring safe use of these medicines. The Deputy will be aware that all medicines have side effects....

Written Answers — Department of Health: Primary Care Services Provision (11 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Topical Issue Debate: Youth Services (6 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I understand the frustration of the Deputies. I am not familiar with the situation. Is the new youth worker from Tusla or is the youth worker leaving on 31 March?

Topical Issue Debate: Youth Services (6 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I come from a community and voluntary background and I know how important it is to provide youth services, in particular youth cafes and clubs. None of that could happen without volunteers. I wish to acknowledge that many people in communities across the country are volunteering, but we cannot leave them on their own. I will relay the message from the Deputies to the Minister of State,...

Topical Issue Debate: Youth Services (6 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I have.

Topical Issue Debate: Youth Services (6 Apr 2017)

Catherine Byrne: I will read the reply that has been given to me on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, but I do not know whether it will satisfy the Deputies.