Podcasts about health minister simon harris

The introduction of Safe Access Zones outside clinics offering abortion services will today be discussed at the Oireachtas Health Committee. 5 years on from the repealing of the 8th amendment, no laws on safe access zones which would ban protest outside clinics have been enacted despite then Health Minister Simon Harris ensuring they would be. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Trish Horgan, GP in Cork and provider of early medical abortion.

The introduction of Safe Access Zones outside clinics offering abortion services will today be discussed at the Oireachtas Health Committee. 5 years on from the repealing of the 8th amendment, no laws on safe access zones which would ban protest outside clinics have been enacted despite then Health Minister Simon Harris ensuring they would be. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Dr Trish Horgan, GP in Cork and provider of early medical abortion.

It has been a tumultuous year for students, teachers, parents and principals and the impact of Covid 19 on our education system has been far-reaching. In March 2020 then Health Minister Simon Harris shut schools for two weeks to deal with the Covid crisis. Thirteen months later and many students have spent up to five months at home, learning remotely. In this pilot news podcast, host Fionnán Sheahan speaks to Irish Independent Education Correspondent Katherine Donnelly about the repercussions (both good and bad) of digital learning for students and teachers. We appreciate your feedback on our podcasts. If you have any thoughts you'd like to share, please email us podcasts@independent.ieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An unedited interview with former Health Minister Simon Harris, where he share personal anecdotes and stories from inside Room 631 with Zara King. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Agricuture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent Fran McNulty reports that Health Minister Simon Harris has sought a report from the Health Service Executive into the practice of circulating Covid-19 test results to employers before workers.

In this episode, Greg and Alma Brosnan from the Fuzion Communications digital team discuss the very unique and diverse role of social media during this crazy COVID19 crisis. From the early naming and shaming of pubs by the public, the outcry about Cheltenham, packed beaches and parks, to the social media "stars" of official Ireland including Head of the HSE, Paul Reid who was happy to have a spat with outspoken Paddy Cosgrave, Medical Professor Paddy Mallon, journalists such as Fergal Bowers and our Health Minister Simon Harris who was brilliantly transparent "live" each evening on Twitter. There have also been some changes on the social media platforms to take into account different circumstances, we have been busy producing podcasts and we leave you with some tips! Enjoy the show This show has been brought to you by Fuzion Communications, a Marketing, PR, Graphic Design and Digital Marketing Agency in Ireland with offices in Dublin and Cork. The show is produced by Greg Canty      

Minister for Older People Jim Daly has called on nursing homes to find ways to allow family members visit relatives during the Covid-19 crisis. Mr Daly, who is still the acting minister despite retiring from politics, said nursing homes should introduce perspex screens to allow people visit loved ones who are in their care. Speaking on Indpendent.ie's Floating Voter podcast, the former Cork West TD said: “I think on a human level it is very, very, very difficult for the residents of nursing homes not to have met with loved ones and not to have had visits from loved ones.” “It is something I would like to see improved is the access of people from the outside into nursing homes to see their loved ones again, you know with a perspex screen. There are ways and means of doing everything,” he added. Mr Daly said he agreed with Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan's initial decision not to ban visits to residential care settings despite private nursing homes restricting visitors. “You have to get the balance right and I would have been on the side of Tony Holohan I have to be honest,” he said. The minister said the “next frontier” in the Covid-19 crisis may be the plight of the 20,000 vulnerable people who are being cared for in the community. He said there have been 56 confirmed coronavirus cases among this group and 40 of those have been admitted to hospital. “It is important we are watching that and continuing to protect vulnerable people who are still in the communities,” he said. Mr Daly said he has purposely avoided doing media during the pandemic following an agreement with Health Minister Simon Harris. “Minister Harris and I have discussed this at length and it has been suggested that the media be maintained to himself on communications in relation to the Covid specific issues and for what it's worth I agree with him,” he said. “You cannot have a situation where you have parallel communications happening and maybe disjointed communications. The fact I haven't been on media doesn't mean I haven't been involved in the day to day operations of the department,” he added.

The closure of Midoc in Birr and why it’s taken a year for Health Minister Simon Harris to explain why…Birr based Cllr. Clare Claffey (Social Democrats) joins Liam and discusses her letter to the Minister a year ago. In Edenderry, reaction to new draft plans for the old Tesco site which could be demolished this year..Fine Gael Cllr. Noel Cribbin says there's huge plans for the 33 acre site..including a possible hotel, a cinema, a health centre and a library. Westmeath Labour Cllr. Denis Leonard says public transport in the Midlands is “deplorable”.. And…in Mullingar, why there’s ongoing traffic flow problems in the town. Fine Gael Cllr. Andrew Duncan gives his views.. And..a report from the protest march in Tullamore against the direct provision centre.

He knows at times he does not come across as overly compassionate when he's been asked about the impact of his Government's failings on the lives of people. Speaking on the Floating Voter podcast, Mr Varadkar said: “Sometimes, maybe I don't show that I care enough.” He says this is down to him being “blunt and straight talking” which can “come across as a bit insensitive sometimes”. “I understand that,” he added. However, he said his partner, Dr Matthew Barrett, believes the accusations that he lacks empathy are unfair. “I was actually talking to Matt, my partner, about that the other night and he said, ‘like that is so wrong and that's so unfair',” Mr Varadkar said. “Every evening when I'm home I'm talking about all the problems of the day and the struggles to get on top of those difficult issues like homelessness and overcrowding.” The Taoiseach said Mr Barrett also told him: “You really do care but you know it's the doctor in you. You want to get in there quickly and, you know, fix the problems, stem the blood.” He also accepts he does not take criticism very well and can be overly defensive when questioned about human tragedies. “I think anyone when they're being criticised or when they're being attacked they're going to be a little bit defensive sometimes so I think that's probably a fair criticism. “I hate to hear people dismiss facts and figures and statistics as if they don't matter. The core behind truth is facts and figures and statistics,” he added. He dismissed suggestions that he was seeking a presidential style General Election campaign which would focus on just him and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. “I'm very happy to go toe-to-toe with Micheál Martin like I did last week and will again next week, but actually a lot of our campaign, a lot of our messages is that Fine Gael has as a team, really strong team,” he said. Since taking office he has learned you need a good team to “cover for you”. “I mean cover for you in a good way. Not cover up for you,” he added. “I have a similar view that we should keep the same Brexit team in place until we get the trade deal, which has to be done by the end of this year,” he said. He would not give any commitment on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and Health Minister Simon Harris who have both faced criticism for their handling of their department. However, he said: “Eoghan Murphy and Simon Harris are in good standing, and they've had really tough briefs. “What really disappoints me is the extent to which some people who don't have much solutions or new ideas when it comes to health and housing they try to cover that up by targeting those two guys personally. I think that's kind of nasty,” he added. He expanded on his offer to form a grand coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil if no other government could be formed after the election while also claiming Mr Martin “didn't know basic facts about the Brexit withdrawal agreement”. “If we end up in a situation whereby Fine Gael can't do that and Fianna Fáil can't do that and both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have ruled out Sinn Féin, the only way to avoid a second election is for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to come together in some way, and I'd be willing to talk to Fianna Fáil about that,” he said. Mr Varadkar said Mr Martin's rejection of his offer was a “little bit arrogant and a little bit irresponsible”. “What Fianna Fáil are saying is ‘we're not going to touch Fine Gael, even though we've spent two-and-a-half years negotiating budgets with them and supporting us through confidence and supply',” he said. “So essentially, he's saying that if you don't give Fianna Fáil enough seats to form a government with the smaller centre-left parties, ‘I'm going to go off in a huff and refuse to take part in the government', and that's not a very responsible or mature position in my view,” he added.

On today's Midlands Today Show, Will Faulkner chatted to a local TD about the motion of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris, Kathryn Thomas talks about life after marrying an Offaly man last year and the Friday Panel look back at the news stories of the week.

Health Minister Simon Harris is considering banning vaping advertisements around schools and playground amid fears companies are targeting young people. What do you think? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simon Harris is considering banning vaping advertisements around schools and playground amid fears companies are targeting young people. What do you think?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ella Scanlan spoke to Niall Boylan. 26 year old Ella has CF and is pleading with the HSE to allow her have a 6 month prescription of her medication so she can fulfill a dream to travel for a couple of months. The HSE will only allow her have a 3 month prescription and she is now forced to either come off her medication or not fulfill her dream to travel for 6 months Here she read out her heartbreaking letter to the Health Minister See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ella Scanlan, a 26-year-old suffering with Cystic Fibrosis, wrote a letter to Health Minister Simon Harris about the “invasive discomfort” being created by the HSE to various members of the CF community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ella Scanlan spoke to Niall Boylan. 26 year old Ella has CF and is pleading with the HSE to allow her have a 6 month prescription of her medication so she can fulfill a dream to travel for a couple of months. The HSE will only allow her have a 3 month prescription and she is now forced to either come off her medication or not fulfill her dream to travel for 6 months Here she read out her heartbreaking letter to the Health Minister See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ella Scanlan, a 26-year-old suffering with Cystic Fibrosis, wrote a letter to Health Minister Simon Harris about the “invasive discomfort” being created by the HSE to various members of the CF community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent TD in Kerry Deputy Michael Healy Rae spoke to Michael about his views on vaccinations that earned him criticism from Health Minister Simon Harris. He tells us he believes he would be failing in his duty as a politician if he did not represent the concerns being expressed to him by parents on the issue See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Should social media companies ban anti-vaccination accounts?Health Minister Simon Harris has said social media companies “need to decide which side they want to be on” in terms of the spread of misinformation about vaccines.Harris today said that social media platforms should ban certain accounts and consider giving “badges” to accounts that are reputable and provide authentic information about vaccinations. Do you agree? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should social media companies ban anti-vaccination accounts? Health Minister Simon Harris has said social media companies “need to decide which side they want to be on” in terms of the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Harris today said that social media platforms should ban certain accounts and consider giving “badges” to accounts that are reputable and provide authentic information about vaccinations. Do you agree? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is considering making vaccines for children mandatory. Health Minister Simon Harris wrote to the Attorney General last week seeking legal advice on the issue. A combination of a growing anti-vaccination movement and a sharp rise in the number of cases of measles has led to the considered changes. But what are mandatory vaccines the way to go? Joining Andrea Gilligan to discuss the issue is: Ciara Kelly, GP & presenter of Newstalk's Lunchtime Live David Kenny, Assistant Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin Dr. Kevin Kelleher, Director of the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre

Two former Fianna Fáil ministers have said there is significant anger within the party over the confidence and supply agreement which props up the Government. Former Cabinet minister Mary Hanafin and Minister of State Conor Lenihan both said deal which underpins Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's government is a cause of serious concern among the party's membership. Ms Hanafin and Mr Lenihan are both competing to be selected on the Fianna Fail ticket for the EU Parliament elections in May. Speaking to the Floating Voter podcast, Mr Lenihan said a quarter of the Fianna Fáil members he has canvased are “very angry and annoyed” by the confidence and supply agreement especially in the wake of the National Children's Hospital controversy. He said some members believe “incompetence is being effectively rewarded” by the party's decision to not support a motion of no confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris. Ms Hanfin said she was pleased to see reports of robust exchanges between TDs at a recent Fianna Fail parliamentary party as it was important for members to debate issues. She said ordinary members are seeking to have more debates around the confidence and supply agreement. Ms Hanafin said Fianna Fail members should support her candidacy because she has always stayed involved in Fianna Fáil even after the party's demise after the 2011 General Election. “If you play for Dublin, you don't just turn out on All Ireland day and hope to win the support of the whole of Croke Park, you have to have played in all the championship matches, you have to have played in the league and I've been doing that in the last eight years,” she added. Mr Lenihan, who spent several years working in Russia after the financial crash, said he gained “great experience” from working outside politics. “I raised €1.2bn in research and development investment for an innovation hub in Moscow and I believe the skillsets and investment raising skills I learned and earned there would be very valuable in terms of conducting the role of an MEP,” he said.

It’s two years since Jarlath donated a kidney to his brother Adrian. In this follow-on episode to its sister episode from two years ago, Jarlath opens up the discussion to the wider area of organ donation and speaks to both medical professionals and those who have been affected by organ donation. Jarlath is also joined by Health Minister Simon Harris to discuss his hopes for the introduction of an opt-out system in Ireland.   From an incredible account of the world’s first heart transplant, to the beautifully powerful stories of those who have had their lives saved by the sheer generosity of their donors, a touching phone call between Jarlath and his brother Adrian and much, much more, this is a truly crucial and inspirational listen.   Music track is 'Swimmer' by Delorentos available to buy here: https://itunes.apple.com/bn/album/little-sparks/495640573   To access this interview in full or the entire back catalogue of interviews visit www.patreon.com/irishmanabroad.  You can also gain access to the entire Irishman Abroad archive of episodes through our iPhone and Android Apps. Download the Irishman Abroad Android or iPhone apps for free using the links below. https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/irishman-abroad-by-jarlath/id1101165812?mt=8 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=irishman.jarlath.com.anirishmanabroad&hl=en An Irishman Abroad is brought to you by Currency Fair. Currency Fair is the official partner of the podcast. To get great exchange rates and to avoid ridiculous bank and broker charges when transferring money to anywhere in the world go to currencyfair.com.  For updates on future episodes and live shows follow @jarlath on Twitter, visit www.jigser.com or email the show directly on irishmanabroadpodcast@gmail.com. Disclaimer: All materials contained within this podcast are copyright protected. Third party reuse and/or quotation in whole or in part is prohibited unless direct credit and/or hyperlink to the Irishman Abroad podcast is clearly and accurately provided.

Sinn Féin believes Health Minister Simon Harris is no longer up to the job - but will not be placing a motion of no confidence before the Dáil. The party's health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly has said they “don't have the numbers” to justify trying to force Mr Harris from office over the escalating costs of the National Children's Hospital. Speaking on Independent.ie's ‘Floating Voter' podcast, Ms O'Reilly said the hospital should go ahead but more answers are needed on how the costs spiralled to €1.4bn. Sinn Fein previously placed sought to have the Dáil declare no confidence in ex-Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy – but will not go after Mr Harris in the same way. Under the confidence and supply arrangement, Fianna Fáil must abstain on confidence motions in ministers. A breach of this deal would almost certainly result in a general election. Ms O'Reilly said it was up to Fianna Fáil to take action against the minister. “They say the logic of their position is that they are doing this to save the world from Brexit and they very well might believe that. “It's less than a year since Micheál Martin went to Europe and said ‘don't worry if there is any change in personnel, there'll be no change in policy so you have nothing to worry about if there is to be an election',” the Dublin Fingal TD said. Asked why Sinn Féin won't try force Fianna Fáil's hand, she replied: “We don't the numbers at the moment. If Fianna Fáil want to make a public statement then of course we will consider. Why would be trying to do that when it won't succeed? They have said their hand is not available to forced.”

Before we get back into the studio after our Christmas break, we're reposting this episode from earlier this year - Monday 28th May to be exact. Health Minister Simon Harris came into studio two days after the result of the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment and was joined by Together for Yes co-founder Ailbhe Smyth, Róisín Ingle and on the line by Marian Keyes.

Health Minister Simon Harris has been criticised for opening a playground in his constituency at the height of budget negotiations on the massive overspend in his department. Fianna Fáil health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly said he was “very annoyed” when he learned the minister was opening a new playground as the Government grappled with the €700m black hole in the health budget. Speaking on Independent.ie's Floating Voter podcast, Mr Donnelly said it “really bothered” him that Mr Harris attended the event in the constituency of Wicklow which they both share. “The Budget was on the Tuesday (and) on the Monday the Health budget was still in play. DPER (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform) were still trying to find out how it was going to be accounted for,” he said. “Fianna Fail's team was still trying to negotiate….and it turns out the minister was opening a playground in Greystones and then went for lunch with everybody. “When the system is so bad I was very annoyed when someone was coming into to announce €700m or €800m overrun that they would be opening playgrounds the day before. This is all hands on deck,” he added. Mr Donnelly also said the last three Fine Gael health ministers “made an absolute bags” of the health service. “They were not on top of the detail, I don't believe the current Health Minister is on top of the detail,” he added.

Chief Reporter Jack Horgan-Jones is joined by Health Editor Susan Mitchell to discuss the fall-out from her Sunday Business Post interview with former HSE chief Tony O'Brien last weekend. She talks about the focus on O'Brien's comments about Health Minister Simon Harris, and the lack of reaction to the substance of his criticisms of health policy. Political Correspondent Hugh O'Connell and News Correspondent Colette Sexton discuss MEP Brian Hayes's decision to quit politics and the implications for the European elections next year. They also take a look at what to watch for in the US mid-term election results Markets Editor Ian Guider also provides an update on Paschal Donohoe's efforts to thwart EU proposals for a digital tax.

Health Minister Simon Harris announced that abortions in Ireland would be free for women who need them. Some people are not too happy about this because they feel they do not want their taxes paying for them, especially if they voted no in the referendum. What is your opinion on it - are you happy for your taxes to fund abortions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simon Harris announced that abortions in Ireland would be free for women who need them. Some people are not too happy about this because they feel they do not want their taxes paying for them, especially if they voted no in the referendum. What is your opinion on it - are you happy for your taxes to fund abortions? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fianna Fail TD has said she does not have confidence in under-fire HSE director Tony O'Brien but believes he should remain in place to answer questions over knowledge of the Cervical Check scandal. Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte said Mr O'Brien should play his role in the scoping exercise into the “sordid” controversy which was exposed by cancer patient Vicky Phelan. “I can't say I seriously have confidence in Tony O'Brien but do I believe Tony O'Brien should go? No I don't because what I want out of this is I want a scoping exercise and I want him to play his role in it for the next number of weeks,” Mr Rabbitte told Independent.ie Floating Voter podcast. “There has to be accountability and he was the one who was responsible for the balances and checks and how the process was run,” she added. Asked if she had confidence in Health Minister Simon Harris, Ms Rabbitte said she does not have “confidence in the process”. She also said she believes the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution will not be passed. Ms Rabbitt sat on the Oireachtas Committee that proposed unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, she did not vote in favour of the proposal. She does support abortion in the case of rape, incest and fatal foetal abnormalities.

The Taoiseach’s statement on Monday night that the Government will propose a referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment and that he would personally back it, was a historic moment that will be recognised in hindsight as the official start of the abortion campaign. With the Cabinet divided on the issue of legislating for abortion up to 12 weeks, that will prove to be a key part of the campaign as it progresses. Pat Leahy and Sarah Bardon join Hugh Linehan to discuss the change in the framing of the debate in recent week to focus on women, rather than the unborn, and why the wording of Health Minister Simon Harris’s proposed legislation that would follow a repeal of the Eighth Amendment will be the next significant moment in the lead up to the referendum.

George takes aim at Tony O'Brien of the HSE and Health Minister Simon Harris after their comments about those worried about the HPV vaccine and lyme disease treatments.