Results 15,081-15,100 of 40,330 for speaker:Leo Varadkar

Ceisteanna - Questions: Freedom of Information Data (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: That is the philosophy behind what we were trying to do. People want to know what the Government is doing for them; they are not all that bothered about which Department or agency is actually doing it. In terms of the open government partnership, the challenge of building a more open, transparent and accountable public governance unit in Ireland is being advanced through a range of...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: On the first question, I have not reviewed any of these arrangements that exist in the Department. They seem to be working well and I have had no specific complaints from Independents as to how they operate. Independent Deputies will from time to time contact the unit about issues they may have, almost always relating to their constituencies. It is in many ways a path finding service such...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I do not.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: There is no list. Those involved are the Independents who take the Government Whip, and Deputy Harty.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: No, and nor does Deputy Harty.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: There is no list.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I missed the question.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I did. It is hard to write down questions and listen at the same time. Perhaps the Deputy would repeat it.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: As I am sure Deputy Martin will confirm, we have not yet discussed the matter, but we will do so at some point. When we do, the Deputy will be the first to know.

Ceisteanna - Questions: Freedom of Information Data (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: In 2017, my Department received 344 freedom of information, FOI, requests. Forty two requests were refused and no records were held in relation to 63 requests. There were 12 requests for internal review and two appeals to the Information Commissioner. There has been a significant increase in the number of FOI requests received in my Department since the new Freedom of Information Act...

Ceisteanna - Questions: Departmental Operations (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. My Department, as outlined in the strategy statement, provides support services for the Taoiseach and the Government, including the Independent members of Government, through the Government secretariat, the parliamentary liaison unit, the programme for Government office and the Cabinet committee structure to ensure Government business is...

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I am afraid I do not have any specific information for the Deputy but I will ask the Minister, Deputy Harris, to give her more information. I know, from my previous background as a GP and as Minister for Health, that those doctor-on-call services are contracted to companies, owned and run by GPs in the main. They will tend to decide what is the best way to configure the service. They will...

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I will inform the Minister, Deputy Harris, that Deputy Aylward has raised the matter. We are having a long, hard and deep look at medicines for rare diseases and orphan drugs. While it may not always be the right thing to reimburse a medicine, I do not think any of us like a situation where a medicine is available and reimbursed in another European country, particularly if it is the one...

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: Not that I am aware of.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: Freagróidh an tAire Murphy an cheist sin.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I am advised that legislation was enacted in 2015, but I do not have a more detailed answer for the Deputy. I will endeavour to return to the Deputy with a more detailed reply, because in my constituency service I have also had the experience of meeting grandparents who have been prevented from seeing their grandchildren. I know it is deeply upsetting for them that they are not able to have...

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I am very sorry to hear about the experience of the patient in Kerry to whom the Deputies refer. Unfortunately, I do not know the details of the case. I do know that two thirds of people who attend hospital emergency departments are either in bed or discharged home within nine hours. For one third of patients, however, the experience can be very bad indeed. I will certainly raise the...

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: In response to Deputy McDonald's question, I explained why that was the case so I do not wish to waste any time by repeating myself, but it is the case that if the Government had a majority in the House, we would get things done much more quickly.

Questions on Promised Legislation (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: Is féidir liom, a Theachta. Gabhaim buíochas don Teachta as na ceisteanna sin. Is í seo Bliain na Gaeilge, togra de cuid an Rialtais. Tá dáiríreacht an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge rísholéir dar liom. Is mian liom tagairt don méid atá déanta i leith na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na noileán sa chreatlach pleanála...

Leaders' Questions (7 Mar 2018)

Leo Varadkar: I will raise with President Trump the issues as listed by the Deputy earlier, which I had said I would raise.