I agree there should be common sense shown in the approach to this issue. There is a middle ground that needs to be achieved, which is called neither "maximum" nor "minimum" but is just common sense. I reiterate that the service provided by the HSE operates on a person-centred, person-specific basis to fulfil patients' clinically determined needs. I assure the House there is no rationing of these products, which are provided to people as they need them. That is important when people are making telephone calls or tr…

I thank the Deputies for providing me with the opportunity to address the House. I am doing so on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who sends her apologies that she cannot be here due to her attendance at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. We are here to discuss the Data Protection Commission and the legislation that underpins its work, the Data Protection Act 2018. The discussion takes place in the context of the report on the topic of the general data protection regulation published by the Join…

I thank the Deputies for their contributions to what has been an informative and enlightening debate, at least for me. I have learned an awful lot from listening to it and reading my scripts. As I said at the outset, I am taking this debate on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee. I also extend apologies on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne. The Data Protection Commission is statutorily independent in the performance of its duties. The Government's role is to ensure the DPC is fully…

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. I wish her a speedy recovery. I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter. I acknowledge that they are speaking with one voice and that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet on this. I acknowledge the vital healthcare role that Clifden District Hospital plays and the excellent level of care and support which it provides to patients and their families in the local community and surrounding areas. As Minister of State with re…

HSE community healthcare west has informed the Minister of State that it is committed to a new 40-bed community unit, and that needs to be expedited, which would address the 1.3 km arrangement in regard to rosters. She welcomes the fact that the HSE is examining the possibility of providing enhanced community care services in Clifden hospital. The integrated care programme for older persons, ICPOP, teams, as we all know, are fantastic. There is a multidisciplinary approach, with a physiotherapist, an occupational t…

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline the position relating to Irish Water's responsibility for this matter, which I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Water Services Acts 2007 to 2017 set out the arrangements in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services by Irish Water and for the scrutiny and oversight provisions that apply in respect of these arrangements. As the Deputy will understand, the wastewater in…

I again thank the Deputy for raising this issue regarding wastewater treatment and infrastructure. He will understand that the progression of individual wastewater plants and infrastructure is a matter for Irish Water, as he rightly noted when he said the Minister was not involved in the day-to-day operation of the organisation. At the same time, there must be direction for Irish Water. In the programme for Government, we commit funding for the water capital investment plan for water and wastewater infrastructure. …

The Citizens Information Board, CIB, is a statutory body tasked with providing information, advocacy and advice to citizens. It must be noted that the staff of the CIB are public servants and that the CIB itself does not have volunteers. The vital services for which the CIB is responsible are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service, CIS, companies. The CIB provides funding to the eight CIS companies, which in turn operate a national network of citizens information centres. It is importan…

I will start where the Deputy finished. Citizens information centres are a trusted source of information, advice and advocacy with a long tradition of volunteering. The Minister fully supports the continued valuing of the role of volunteers in CIS companies. The strong view of the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, which I share, is that the important service provided by citizens information centres should continue to be available to the public when they need it. This is particularly true given the current cost-of-living …

Would the Deputy believe that this is my second time to take a Topical Issue debate on transport? I think the last debate was when Deputy Lahart raised issues with route 174. Deputy Whitmore has referred to routes 184 and 44A. I am sad to say that it is the same operator. I will keep to the script, which is from the Minister for Transport. I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan. I understand the Deputy’s question about the issues with Go-A…

I thank the Deputy. I will certainly bring back the issue of Premier Coaches in west Wicklow to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan. The Minister has instructed the NTA to meet with Go-Ahead Ireland weekly to get an update on what exactly is happening. They are managing it now at a micro level, as opposed to a macro level, which is unfortunate. The Deputy is right. Go-Ahead Ireland is absorbing the fines as opposed to seeking a solution about delivery times. I will bring this issue back to the Minister but, as I have s…

On behalf of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, I thank those who contributed to the Second Stage debate today and two weeks ago with the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. The fundamental objective of this Bill is to improve patient safety. The overwhelming support of Deputies for the Bill's provisions reflects the importance of patient safety and reflects our shared goal of constantly working to improve our health and social care services. I understand that the issues which were raised with the M…

I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Health pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)( a ) and 181(1).

Sinn Féin's alternative budget was €153 million.

Sinn Féin's alternative budget was €153 million.

Sinn Féin's alternative budget proposal is for €153 million.

I thank the Deputy for raising the question. The first part of the Deputy’s question was on the winter fund and the Deputy quite rightly said there is €110 million within that. Of that, the disability sector is receiving the lion’s share of €65 million, which is a once-off payment which will be dispensed before the end of the year. Nursing homes will be receiving €35 million and hospices will also be receiving funding. The Department of Health is working out the arrangements as we speak.

I thank the Minister for sharing his time with me; it is greatly appreciated. I have secured a figure of €242 million for disability services in budget 2023. Let me bring Members on a whistle-stop tour of exactly how that is broken down. There is €109 million for existing levels of service, €29 million for new developments, €39 million for Covid-related issues, which are one-off payments to support the assessment of needs, and €65 million to support the section 39 voluntary community organisations. Let me break dow…

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for giving me an opportunity, on behalf of the Minister for Health, to inform the House of the progress made to date on the establishment of the registration board for psychotherapists. The Minister apologises for not being able to come to the Chamber to take the matter. The Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 provides for the protection of the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, professional education, training and competence through statutory registrati…

I trust the Senator will appreciate that, but for the day that is in it, the Minister for Health would be in the Chamber to address this very serious issue. I will inform him that no timelines were outlined and that significant work is required to prevent rogue operators operating in the industry. That is why we need this sector regulated to protect all. I thank the Senator for tabling her Commencement matter.