Smaller Hospitals document should be used to match budget with service delivery

Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that the Framework for Smaller Hospitals document, which will set out future service levels at smaller hospitals around the country, should be used to facilitate maximum alignment between budgets and service delivery. Deputy Doherty was speaking after an address to the Health Committee by Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, Secretary General at the Department of Health. 

“A strong level of political support will be needed to make sure the Framework for Smaller Hospitals is used to deliver effective change across our health service. That will require a willingness to accept national concerns over local and parochial pressures. 

“The document, which has yet to be published, is expected to detail a range of changes across our hospital network which will involve a significant reconfiguration to ensure services are spread appropriately across the country. 

“Our current hospital network isn’t working as effectively as it could. It is understandable when there is strong reaction to any proposed changes to local health services. But if we are serious about realigning our hospital system to ensure the better delivery of services, some difficult decisions will have to be made. 

“The Framework for Smaller Hospitals, together with the reorganisation of hospital groups across the country, will allow us to effectively care for patients on a local, regional, super-regional and national level. The changes will allow for the maximum alignment between budgets and service delivery.

“The challenges facing the health service are well documented. But despite the very difficult budgetary constraints, real reforms are being delivered. We’ve have reduced the number of people waiting on trolleys by more than a fifth in the last year, the number of people waiting more than 12 months for surgery has fallen by 85%, the drugs bill is being tackled and just this week we had a major breakthrough in the consultants’ contract negotiations. 

“We need to continue to deliver our health services in a cost effective way in the coming years. This involves shaping our hospital network into a more practical and workable model. And to make this possible we must all be willing to accept that achieving a health service that is fit for purpose requires looking at the bigger picture rather than being consumed by purely local interests.”

Protecting children, boosting jobs and securing better debt deal are main Govt priorities for coming months

Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty, Meath East, has today (Thursday) said that protecting children, boosting job creation and securing a better deal on our debt are top of the Government’s agenda in the coming months. Deputy Doherty, was speaking as the new Dáil term gets underway. 

“A huge body of work lies ahead for the Government in this Dáil term. The Children’s Referendum will represent a major change in the way this country and all institutions of the State regard and care for children. Legislation on the Referendum will be published in the coming weeks, ahead of what I hope will be an informed and passionate debate on why it is so important to strengthen the protection we offer our children. 

“On the jobs front, we will continue our reform agenda through the Action Plan for Jobs, which is rebuilding our economy into a sustainable model based on enterprise, innovation and strong exports. A long list of pro-jobs measures has been implemented over the last year aimed at improving access to credit, supporting small business and boosting high growth sectors. Work is already well underway on the Action Plan for Jobs for 2013, which will be even more ambitious in its scope. 

“Significant progress has been made in recent weeks on securing a better deal on our bank debt. Following the agreement by the European Heads of State at the end of June to break the link between bank and sovereign debt, Minister Michael Noonan and his officials have been engaged in high level negotiations across Europe. These efforts will intensify in the coming weeks with the ultimate aim of giving Ireland’s economy a much better chance of success. 

“The Government faces a huge challenge in implementing a further €3.5 billion adjustment in the upcoming Budget. Unfortunately this level of adjustment is unavoidable as we seek to meet the terms of the bailout programme and bring our public finances under control. What the Government must do as part of this process is ensure the right decisions are taken for both our economy and our society.” 

Doherty listens to concerns of older people at Age Action conference

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, today (Monday) listened to the concerns of older people at the Age Action conference in Croke Park in Dublin, which she described as a lively and impassioned event.  

“We have made enormous strides as a society to reduce poverty amongst older people and I believe we need to be ambitious with our positive ageing strategy, despite our economic challenges.

“I was delighted to take part in this morning’s conference, which was a lively and impassioned event. I listened to views expressed on a number of issues of concern, including free travel, fuel costs and home care packages.

“I fully understand these concerns, and I believe as a Government we need to take decisions that are fair by ensuring those who can shoulder the most, pay the most.

“The need for the regulation of home care services was underlined at today’s conference; a number of elderly people spoke to me about the problems they face personally. The Government is acutely aware of the need to regulate this area, and I intend to bring their representations to the Minister for Health.

“I believe engaging with older people and all of those who are affected by our choices is a vital part of our role as legislators; I will be bringing all of the concerns expressed to me today to my Government colleagues.”

National Broadband Plan will deliver faster broadband to Meath as part of €175 million investment by State

Fine Gael TD for Meath, Regina Doherty has welcomed the launch by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, of ‘Delivering a Connected Society – A National Broadband Plan for Ireland’, which will see every home and business in the State have access to high speed broadband at speeds much faster than what are generally available today. 

“I am delighted with today’s announcement as Meath will finally have access to high speed broadband, particularly in rural areas. Today’s announcement means that individuals and businesses will have access to a minimum 30 megabytes per second (Mbps), with more than half the population receiving 70Mpbs – 100Mpbs by 2015.

“In this day and age, having access to high speed internet is a basic requirement for people in all walks of life, be they school children, college students, professionals and small and big businesses. It will enable the people of Meath to compete on a much wider scale, and give them access to information, products and services right across the world, bringing economic and social benefits across Meath.

“Public funds will be invested in the Plan to ensure that sparsely populated areas are included and Minister Rabbitte has committed to engaging with commercial investors for financial support so that speeds of up to 100Mbps are made available to as many households as possible in Meath. The Minister has also committed to providing the correct regulatory environment so as to remove any obstacles to private sector investment. 

“Ireland’s population is more broadly dispersed than that of many other countries so reaching the target will require State investment to encourage the private sector to offer services which would not otherwise make commercial sense. 

“I would like to thank the Minister for his hard work and dedication into bringing this plan to fruition.”

Teagasc Weather Crisis Clinics

All Teagasc advisory offices will hold a Weather Crisis Clinic on Thursday, 6 September between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm for all dairy farmers and from 2.00pm to 4.00 pm for all drystock and tillage farmers. This is the second round of weather crisis clinics organised by Teagasc this summer to assist farmers with the ongoing difficulties.

Doherty encourages Meath women to get on their bike

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, is encouraging women across Meath to get on their bikes and take part in the Costa Autumn Classic, a new single day race in Moynalvey, which is taking place next month. The event is being organised by those behind Rás na mBan, Ireland’s only women’s international stage race.

“I am delighted to see this event being brought to Co. Meath; it will not only provide an incentive for Meath women of all ages to get fit, it will also bring a great buzz of activity to the locality. While the Rás na mBan may be too daunting to consider for most of us, the Costa Classic, at 70km, is a more realistic and achievable aim for cyclists of lesser ability.

“The recession has seen a huge growth in popularity in outdoor pursuits like running and cycling. It’s great to see more and more people out and about and getting involved in events such as this one. Regular exercise is essential to stay fit and healthy, and signing up for a race like the Costa Classic provides a great incentive to keep active.

“A great element of the Costa Classic is the fact that it’s open to all categories, including under-16s girls. The race will cover three laps of the Dorey’s Forge circuit, with prizes on offer for those first over the finishing line.

“The event will bring a festival atmosphere to Moynalvey, and I would encourage everyone to get involved; whether it’s taking part in the race, cheering on the participants or helping out with the organisation, it’s a great opportunity for the community to work together.

“I look forward to seeing women of all ages and abilities crossing the finish line at Shanks Mare pub on Sunday 23rd September.”

Doherty welcome’s Rathoath’s Olympic champ home

Fine Gael Meath East Deputy, Regina Doherty, has welcomed Rathoath’s Cian O’Connor home from London, commending the medal winner for a fantastic performance at the 2012 Olympic equestrian individual show-jumping final.

“Cian’s performance at the London Olympics, which saw him take home a bronze medal, was without doubt one of the most dramatic performances of the entire Olympics. From Cian’s last minute re-entry into the competition, up until the final jump-off which saw him stave off the competition to take a medal, Cian’s final had us on the edge of our seats until the very end.

“The whole country has be buoyed by the performance of all our Olympic athletes, medal winners or not. As a native of Rathoath, however, the people of Meath are over the moon with Cian’s achievements and we are delighted  to welcome him home.

“Cian’s success with his horse Blue Loyd at London 2012 is a testament to his hard work and commitment to his sport. He has encountered his fair share of adversity in the past and has fought hard to get back on top, where his bronze medal puts him once again.

“This accomplishment will act as an enormous boost to Cian’s career and also to Irish show-jumping and the Irish equestrian industry generally. The whole of Meath stood behind Cian throughout his time in London. We are now looking forward to giving him the hero’s welcome home he deserves.”

Transparency of sentencing needed in cases of sexual assault

Fine Gael Meath East Deputy, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) said that transparency is urgently needed into how and why sentences, especially in cases of sexual assault, are suspended. Deputy Doherty also called for a steadfast set of rules to be put in place where minimum sentencing is concerned.

“There appears to be little or no consistency in how the judicial system operates in this country in terms of administering sentences, particularly where sexual assaults are concerned. Of even more significance is the lack of clarity around how and why suspensions of the term set down by the judge are decided upon.

“Reporting a sexual assault takes immense courage and strength and this is evidenced by the fact that the reporting rate is fewer than one in ten. Furthermore, the drop-out rate for those pursuing convictions is extremely high, as the true extent of what is involved in taking a case becomes known.

“Five years ago, Mr. Justice Peter Charleton compiled a set of general principles to be used when sentencing cases of a sexual nature, which are largely followed in the courts today. However, a series of recent proceedings have clearly established that there is no consistency whatsoever when it comes to suspending sentences, with the result that the perpetrators of crimes of a sexually violent nature can largely go unpunished.

“When a woman, or a man, has been the victim of a sexual assault, it takes enormous strength to come forward and to ultimately face their attacker. If those who are considering taking a case think that a lenient sentence of a matter of months will be the up-shot of their efforts, the prospect of bringing a case diminishes greatly.

“Victims of sexual assaults are given a life sentence in carrying the long-term psychological effects and the horror of the memory of their attack with them forever. There is no escape for them. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the perpetrators of abuse, many of whom walk away with minimal sentences for crimes of a sexual and horrifically violent nature.”

Doherty welcomes confirmation of VEC as patron for new Ashbourne school

Site for new educational campus must now be secured

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD, that Co. Meath VEC has been chosen as the patron for the new post-primary school in Ashbourne. Deputy Doherty added that it is imperative that the site for the new educational campus is now secured. 

“I am very pleased to receive confirmation from Minister Quinn that the new school in Ashbourne will be run by Meath VEC. The local VEC, under the stewardship of Peter Kierns, has a strong track record in providing second level education for children across Co. Meath and I have no doubt that the organisation will run this new school to the highest standards.

“The Ashbourne VEC will be built on a new educational campus that will also house two new Educate Together and Gaelscoil primary schools. The VEC will also have an Irish stream, which will allow pupils from the local Gaelscoileanna from Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne to receive their education through Irish on the new single educational site. This is an innovative way of delivering Irish-language education.

“This new school campus will provide much needed additional capacity to cope with the growing primary and secondary student population across Meath East. A site has been identified for the campus, and I understand that the Department of Education has put in an offer. I hope this site can be secured and the project can proceed as planned.

“The Gaelscoil is due to be built in 2013, the VEC is due to be established in 2014 and the Educate Together school is due in 2015, and I hope these date will not be compromised due to difficulties in securing the desired site. I would urge all of the local stakeholders involved to work together on this issue to ensure that construction on the new campus can be commenced as soon as possible.”

New child protection standards will mean we prevent failure rather than react to it

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty TD, has today (Wednesday) said that the new National Standards for the Protection and Welfare of Children will mean we prevent failure in the future, rather than react to it. The standards were launched by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, earlier today and have been approved by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD.

“These new national standards will put an end to the era of reaction when it comes to child protection services; instead we will now aim to prevent failure before it happens. The standards were developed by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) which will constantly test, check and assess their implementation. 

“For too long we have failed vulnerable children, and it is time we all took responsibility. As soon as it came to office this Government put children protection on the national agenda by appointing a senior Minister for Children, who sits at the Cabinet table. This has allowed Minister Fitzgerald to drive forward the reform agenda which Fine Gael pursued in Opposition.

“These standards are the culmination of months and months of hard work. Now, we have been provided with a set of mandatory standards, written in plain English, which clearly and simply set out the standards that must be upheld by service providers. They will help the HSE, and its successor the Child and Family Support Agency, to promote and protect the welfare of vulnerable children. The standards will also enable families and the wider public to understand what they can expect from protection and welfare services. 

“This is about protecting our children from risk and harm, not dealing with the fallout after the damage has been done. Under the standards, service providers must listen to the needs of children, promote wellbeing and focus on positive outcomes. By establishing clear lines of accountability we can deliver services to children based on evidence and good practice.

“The key difference with this set of standards is the monitoring element. From this year, HIQA will be monitoring the HSE and the services it provides to children nationally. Inspections will be carried out to gather evidence, and judgements will be made on whether adequate services are being provided. All of this information will be provided to the Minister for Children, and will be published on HIQA’s website. 

“Through checks and balances, through implementation and monitoring, and through transparency and accountability, we can completely change the way we care for our most vulnerable children, for the betterment of us all.”