Results 81-100 of 5,689 for speaker:James Browne

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Departmental Reviews (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Senator for raising this important matter of what annual savings are made from periodic reviews of medical cards for over-70s versus the cost of carrying out those reviews in light of the increased income and means test thresholds. I have experienced the same situation in my office. Often, even those who have them removed get them back on review or appeal. I welcome the...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Departmental Reviews (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I again thank Senator Cummins for raising this important issue. He is correct in saying that the actual cost was not provided by the HSE. As I have said, eligibility for the medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970, as amended. In this regard, the HSE is required to ensure applications for a new medical...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Road Projects (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Senator for raising this important matter on the status of Irish Government funding for the N2 and A5 Dublin to Derry route and also the important issue of TEN-T. As he will be aware, the Government’s commitment to the A5 upgrade was discussed at Cabinet yesterday and an allocation of €600 million was confirmed for this project. This financial commitment towards...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Road Projects (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: Again, I thank the Senator for raising the very important matter of the delivery of funding for the A2 and N5 Dublin to Derry route. He welcomed the Cabinet decision to allocate €600 million for this very important project. This funding is now confirmed. He has been fighting this cause for some time and has been lobbying intensively to get this funding across the line. The funding...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Arts Policy (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue regarding the need for the Minister for culture to outline what actions are being taken to address the acute urgent need for artists' workspaces across the State. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, who sends her apologies.She is aware of the pressures that artists and creatives face in finding...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Arts Policy (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I hope that I have provided an overview for the Senator of the work being carried out the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. I do not have specific answers to the more detailed questions but I will certainly raise them with the Minister. There has been sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years and in budget 2024 a total of €367.406...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Post Office Network (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I certainly agree with the Deputy regarding the importance of our post offices and the fact they go way above and beyond the individual services provided in those local communities. As I indicated, decisions relating to post offices are operational matters for An Post, but the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, will continue to engage with the company on the proposed conversion of post...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Aids and Appliances (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: On behalf of the Minister for Health, I again thank Deputy Burke for raising this very important matter. Aids and appliances provided by the HSE under the community funding scheme support individuals to continue living within their communities. They are prescribed on the basis of an identified clinical need and are provided in line with established criteria. The purpose of the service...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Aids and Appliances (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I will ask the Minister for Health to clarify that.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Post Office Network (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Gannon for raising the important issue of the proposed closure of the Phibsborough post office in Dublin 7. I welcome the opportunity to outline the position on this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. An Post is a commercial State company with a mandate to act commercially and, as such, day-to-day operational matters, including the decisions...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Building Projects (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I again thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address some of the issues regarding this school. I hear his concerns and I certainly will bring them to the Minister's attention. As chair of the board of management of an Educate Together school with five different landlords, I understand the challenges involved for principals and boards in dealing with these types of situations. The...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Aids and Appliances (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: On behalf of the Minister for Health, I thank Deputy Burke for raising this matter, which is of importance to many women right across the country. The HSE provides an extensive range of medical aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of medical conditions. Those aids and appliances support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: State Examinations (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: This Government can be very proud of the support it has shown to Ukraine and to Ukrainians who have come here. We offer some of the best supports of any country in the European Union. Our supports in the educational system have, quite frankly, been extraordinary. Few other countries in Europe can show the level of integration and supports that have been provided to Ukrainian children in...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Building Projects (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire for raising the important matter of Owenabue Educate Together National School. I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter because it provides the Minister with an opportunity to clarify the position in respect of the Department's plans for the school. Owenabue Educate...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: State Examinations (21 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. It is recognised that the curriculum at primary and post-primary is intended to be for all learners from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, race or creed. It aims to foster inclusivity where equality and diversity are promoted. Our education system, especially our schools, throughout the country supports, encourages...

Second Anniversary of War in Ukraine: Statements (20 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Ceann Comhairle and I, too, welcome Her Excellency, Ambassador Gerasko, who has done fantastic work over the last couple of years in highlighting the atrocities that have been happening in Ukraine. It is important we do not forget that when people say we should do more for peace in Ukraine, peace could happen in the next five minutes in Ukraine if Putin just withdrew. He is the...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Gambling Sector (20 Feb 2024)

James Browne: At present, the regulation of gambling and similar activities in the State is split between a number of Departments, agencies and Local Government. As Minister of State with responsibility for Law Reform, I currently have no regulatory or oversight role in relation to the activities of licensed bookmakers in Ireland. Licences are issued to bookmakers by the Revenue Commissioners in accordance...

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Legislative Measures (20 Feb 2024)

James Browne: While all legislation is kept under review, there are no specific plans to amend the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 at this time.

Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (8 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I thank the Deputies who contributed to the debate. I welcome the general agreement on the importance of the Bill and getting it passed in a timely manner. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, certainly will bear in mind the various issues raised by the Deputies in preparation for Committee Stage examination of the Bill. The changes made by this urgent Bill are important to ensure there is a...

Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024: Second Stage (8 Feb 2024)

James Browne: I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I welcome the opportunity to introduce the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024. The Bill is a necessary interim legislative amendment pending a broader review of the Coroners Act 1962. It should be considered against the backdrop of a public consultation process which concluded on 19 January. The Coroner Service provides an important...