Results 1,721-1,740 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Written Answers — Department of Health: Homeless Persons Supports (15 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together. Over €30m in HSE funding is used, on an annual basis, to provide targeted interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for homeless persons, who are more likely to experience health inequalities and difficulties in accessing services and present with multiple, complex health and support needs. Additional funding of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes Availability (15 Nov 2016)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (15 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and in coordinating action at local level, so that there is a targeted response to the problem of substance misuse in local communities. ...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy Crowe for raising the issue of the challenges faced by drug and alcohol task forces throughout the country. As the Deputy is aware, problem drug use continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing our country and it has become more complex than ever, with a wider range of drugs being abused. In line with the national drugs strategy, the Government is committed...

Topical Issue Debate: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I agree with Deputy Crowe on a number of points. I am concerned about what is happening on the ground in terms of intimidation and the targeting of young people. They are being sucked into it and being made runners. Deputy Crowe is correct when he says they are as young as ten or 12 years of age. I have seen it myself. There are real issues on the ground that have to be addressed. I...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Quarterly Update On Health Issues: Discussion (10 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I have little to add to what the Minister has already stated. I know that the private Members' Bill will be examined by the committee in November. It will also be examined by the Department of Health and the Department of Justice. This does not concern the medical use of cannabis, but during the week I launched a report on the prevalence of drug use and gambling in Ireland, including...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Funding (8 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Funding of an organisation that provides professional services to support distressed families and individuals at risk of losing their family home would not fall to be considered by this Department in the context of funding of health services for homeless people. Health service funding is aimed at improving health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, particularly those with complex...

An Bille um an gCúigiú Leasú is Tríocha ar an mBunreacht (An tOchtú Leasú a Aisghairm) 2016: An Dara Céim [Comhaltaí Príobháideacha] - Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Repeal of the Eighth Amendment) Bill 2016: Second Stage [Private Members] (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy Coppinger and her colleagues for the publication of the Bill. I also thank those who have spoken for their passionate and thoughtful contributions. Many of them suggested that Article 40.3.3° needs to be revisited. They have different views on how to strike the right balance and on what they wish to be in a final proposal to amend the eighth amendment. I share the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Government policy on tackling the drug problem is set out in the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016. The overall objective of the Strategy is to continue to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. The Strategy is a cross cutting area of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Projects Funding (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: On 12 October 2016, I announced the allocation of an additional €3m in the 2017 Budget to increase support for interventions aimed at improving the health outcomes of the most vulnerable in our society, including Traveller and Roma communities, and those affected by addiction issues. The additional funding will be used to address my key priorities in 2017, which include...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (25 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. The Mid West Drugs and Alcohol Task Force/Forum is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Limerick City. The table below shows the funding for the Drug and Alcohol Forum from 2009 to 2016. It...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes (25 Oct 2016)

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 Issues: Ambulance Service Accommodation (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy Deering. I am responding to this matter on behalf of the Minister. The National Ambulance Service, NAS, has confirmed that following a health and safety audit, an issue was identified in the shower and changing facilities used by staff at the Carlow ambulance station. Works are planned to take place to rectify the issue concerned and this is being treated as a priority by...

Topical Issues: Ambulance Service Accommodation (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I understand where Deputy Deering is coming from. It is unacceptable that the staff of a service that helps people have to work in conditions in which they cannot do normal things like wash their hands and use the bathroom. All I can give the Deputy is the answer I have in front of me. I cannot specifically say to him where the base will end up. I will raise the matter with the Minister,...

Topical Issues: Health Services Staff (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I understand that the Deputy is very frustrated with my reply. Unfortunately, I cannot give her any assurance that the €1.5 million in cuts will be reversed. I cannot answer that particular question because I do not have the details in front of me. However, I will pursue the matter with the Minister for Health on Deputy Munster's behalf.

Topical Issues: Health Services Staff (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: The second part of the Deputy's question related to the 18 beds that were closed in Louth. Unfortunately, I do not have any information on that either. However, I will come back to the Deputy on it. I will make a commitment to the Deputy to revert to her on it because I do not have the relevant information in front of me now. In the reply I have in front of me, it is made very clear...

Topical Issues: Health Services Staff (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, who apologises for having to attend another engagement. The HSE has advised that Louth primary care services have not applied staffing cuts during 2016. Department officials have, however, been advised by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, hospital group that its cost containment plan for the Louth...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Ambulance Service Provision (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Senator. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, who cannot be present. The National Ambulance Service, NAS, has confirmed that following a health and safety audit, an issue was identified in respect of the shower and changing facilities used by staff at Carlow ambulance station.Works are planned to rectify the issue which is being treated as a priority by...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Ambulance Service Provision (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I agree with the Senator that no one should have to work in an unsafe environment. As I stated, the Health Service Executive will prioritise the allocation of a building for the service. I will also raise the matter with the Minister when I meet him later and outline the Senator's concerns about staff having to use a building that is in such poor condition. I will urge the Minister to give...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (20 Oct 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am aware of the report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on a harm reducing and rehabilitative approach to possession of small amounts of illegal drugs which was published in November 2015. As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to supporting a health-led rather than a criminal justice approach to drugs use. It is envisaged...