Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

304. To ask the Minister for Health if appropriate measures will be taken to prevent persons who are drunk causing noise and disturbance in emergency departments; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these persons create difficulties for hospital staff and other patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20475/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 aims to reduce consumption of alcohol in Ireland. On 1 November, I signed an order to commence 23 of the 31 sections of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 which includes initiatives to be rolled out over the next 2 years aimed at restricting alcohol advertising, in particular, in locations where children and young people could be exposed to it.

Improving the quality of care provided to patients and the working environment for staff is a key priority. The HSE is committed to ensuring that patients and staff are treated with dignity and respect at all times.

In relation to the particular query raised about measures being taken in hospital Emergency Departments, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.