Results 1-20 of 1,348 for speaker:Pádraig Rice

Men's Health: Statements (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: As the Minister of State and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will know, every time we have health statements, I question their value, particularly given the backlog of legislation we have relating to the right to home care, legislation relating to CHI and much other legislation, but I see real value in this. It has been great to hear the consistent messages across the House about particular parts...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: At today's health committee, the Irish Cancer Society said there is a complacent notion that we are doing well in cancer but we are not. The reality is that the State's cancer services are deteriorating. A prime example of this is radiation therapy, which is beset with antiquated machinery and staff shortages. Radiation therapy machines need to be changed every ten years. That is their...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: We have received apologies from Deputies Colm Burke and Sorca Clarke and Senators Maria Byrne and Teresa Costello. Deputy Donna McGettigan is substituting for Deputy Clarke and she is very welcome. I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: I thank Mr. Dempsey. I now turn to members for questions. As discussed yesterday, we will take five minute slots for this first half. Our first slot is for Fianna Fáil. I call Deputy Daly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: I have a number of questions. To pick up on some of what Deputy Cullinane has said, I am hearing real concerns around funding shortages and a potential risk of fragmentation. As was said in the opening statements, cancer services used to be the jewel in the crown of the health service. I think about what could be achieved with sustained funding, a good strategy, political will, investment...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: What information has the Irish Cancer Society received from the Department regarding the role of the national cancer control programme in the budgeting process and the next strategy? What further assurances is it seeking?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: I would say to the Minister, show me your budget and then I will be able to understand your priorities. We are not really seeing the priority for cancer in the budget, unfortunately, and there is no clarity there, so that question about the prioritisation is an open one. What role do you see for the national cancer control programme in those new HC structures? How should that work well...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: Do you think the cancer strategy can be implemented in full by the end of 2026 or are there too many outstanding actions?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: Briefly, what do you think should be the priority for the next strategy?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: We can pick that one back up. Next is the Labour Party and Deputy Sherlock.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: Could we get a quick answer?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: You are out of time on this slot, Deputy.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: We are back to a Fianna Fáil slot, so I call Deputy O'Sullivan.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: Thanks very much. There are three speakers remaining, Deputy McGettigan, then Senators Clonan and Conway.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: I thank the Senator. That concludes our questions. I thank the representatives of the Irish Cancer Society for their engagement this morning. I also thank the society for its ongoing work, including its advocacy, research and policy work. I know there is a whole team that does great work and keeps us well briefed. Really good research, supports and services are provided to people across...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: We will now resume our consideration of matters relating to cancer services. I welcome Mr. Damien McCallion, deputy chief executive of the HSE, and his team. I invite Mr. McCallion to make his opening remarks on behalf of the HSE. We have received the full statement, so we will just get the headline remarks.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: I will now open the meeting to members. The first slot is Fianna Fáil and Deputy Daly.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: The next slot is Sinn Féin and Deputy Cullinane.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Current Issues Relating to Health Services for Cancer: Discussion (22 Oct 2025)

Pádraig Rice: What is the role of the NCCP in the budget process?