Results 241-260 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medicinal Products Availability (20 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue which he has raised on a number of occasions. We were all delighted when it was announced in June that Spinraza would be made available to children. Spinraza is indicated for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, which causes progressive muscle atrophy and weakness. It is a genetic condition that affects the nerves in the spinal cord....

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Waiting Lists (20 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I apologise for the Minister for Health's absence. I am not sure where he is. I did not know until two hours ago that I would take this matter. When a Topical Issue matter is submitted I suggest that the Ceann Comhairle contact the office of the relevant Minister to ask if he or she will be available to take the matter. I do not know if that is possible but it would give Deputies an...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Waiting Lists (20 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy O'Reilly again. I assure the Deputy that the Minister has met regularly the senior management of the HSE and Children's Health Ireland to discuss their short and long-term plans to provide a better service for patients and their families. Nobody wants to see children waiting on a hospital waiting list, particularly children with a severe illness such as scoliosis. I am...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Sexually Transmitted Infections (20 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: Addressing and preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a priority area under the National Sexual Health Strategy. The €450,00 funding referred to by the Deputy has been provided to support Ireland's participation in an international HIV initiative, Fast Track Cities, and to fund early implementation of relevant actions. The HIV Fast Track Cities initiative is a...

National Maternity Services: Motion [Private Members] (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: In concluding, Deputy Eugene Murphy said we all want to do the right thing for everybody, in particular women and their husbands and families, in maternity hospitals and other hospitals. It is important to remember that we have wonderful services in maternity hospitals and many extremely dedicated people from the top down. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, I thank Deputies for...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Primary Care Centres Provision (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: On behalf of the Minister, I thank Deputy Adams for raising this issue and for affording me the opportunity to provide further clarification. I understand that the issue here is that Deputy Adams believes that the information provided in a direct reply from the HSE to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 23 January 2019 from his colleague, Deputy O’Reilly, conflicts with a response...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Primary Care Centres Provision (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy Adams, who took the words out of my mouth. I was going to say that I do not know the answer to the questions he posed. That is why I have taken note of them and will bring them to the attention of the Minister and ask him to reply to the Deputy directly. In terms of the written response from the Department, it is apparent that confusion around the status of the project...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: There have been no cutbacks to home help services. I work daily in my community seeking home help services and I and the people I represent have never been turned down so I do not know where that is coming from.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I am very familiar with St. Mary's Hospital because members of my family stayed there in the past for long-term respite care. We can all agree that the quality of care for patients comes first. All patients should receive the same high standard of quality assured care. The decision to close the ward was based solely on health and safety concerns. I cannot emphasise that enough. It was...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: This is a health and safety issue and the ward is being closed for that reason. It is not a cost cutting matter.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: It is clear that the Deputies need to reflect on some the words that have been said. I am not responsible for the reply I have given, but I stand over it wholeheartedly. I know people who are being cared for in St. Mary's Hospital and the quality of care is exceptional.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I know it well.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Hospital Beds Closures (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: Unfortunately, the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, who has responsibility for mental health and older people, cannot be here so I am taking this matter on behalf of him. I thank Deputies Jack Chambers and Coppinger for raising the issue. Social care services, including home care, daycare and short-stay residential care are all important components in enabling people to remain living...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Rehabilitation Clinics (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together. As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Promotion (19 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: As the question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (18 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: The national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, is the whole-of-government response to drug and alcohol use for the period 2017 to 2025. The most recent figure on Irish Government drug related expenditure is €240.195 million (2017). The Department of Health allocates funding of almost €100 million to the HSE for addiction services. In addition, the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (18 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together. The Department of Health allocated funding of almost €100 million to the HSE for addiction services in 2019. The HSE National Service Plan for 2019 sets out the type and volume of addiction services to be provided, having regard to the funding allocated. In addition, the Department provides a further €28 million to Drug...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Data (18 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 to 316, inclusive, together. As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (18 Jun 2019)

Catherine Byrne: As the information you have requested comes under the remit of the Health Service Executive, your query has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Funding (18 Jun 2019)

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.