Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) said that the domestic violence figures released by Safe Ireland reveal with devastating clarity what is happening to women and children in homes across the country. The figures show that the number of women receiving support from domestic violence charities has more than doubled in the last five years.
“These are devastating figures, which paint a very bleak picture of the reality facing thousands of women and children in homes right across Ireland. Every day, domestic violence is ripping lives apart. Even for those women who get help for themselves and their children, there is a long term impact that can take years to reverse. Long after the physical scars have faded, victims of domestic abuse deal with emotional and developmental trauma that cannot be easily erased.
“There has been a dramatic increase in the numbers of women and children seeking help over the last five years. One can only presume that the pressure on families due to the economic crisis is having a significant impact. People can act completely out of character when faced with incredible stress; however there can never be an excuse for perpetrating physical or emotional abuse, regardless of the personal circumstances.
“The high level of phone calls received by support services, with many repeat callers, underlines the need for on-going support. It is a credit to the agencies involved that the number of women receiving face-to-face supports has increased by 68% since 2007.
“Breaking the silence is key to tackling domestic violence. We need to consider how we address this problem as a society. It cannot be simply attributed to a negative knock-on effect of our challenging economic situation; when the country was awash with money women and children were still being abused in their own homes. We should all ask ourselves; would I offer a neighbour who I believed to be at risk at helping hand, or would I turn a blind eye? This isn’t someone else’s problem, it is everyone’s problem.
“As a Government, we must strive to make choices that do not penalise those in need of support services. But as well as this, we must also reform the system. The new Child and Family Support Agency, which will be up and running in the New Year, will allow for intervention at an early stage to deal with issues like domestic violence. New models of delivery will also ensure full integration between State services and voluntary resources.
“Introducing a more transparent family court system, as flagged by the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter TD, will also help to lift the lid on domestic violence. We need to know what is happening in families in crisis if we are to bring about a change in how we tackle this problem. Victims of domestic violence must be given the courage to come forward, and the knowledge that they will be responded to with support and compassion.”
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Doherty looking forward to playing her part on the Constitutional Convention
Women’s issues to be considered by Convention
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) said that she is looking forward to playing her part on the Constitutional Convention. Deputy Doherty was speaking after the Fine Gael delegation on the Convention was announced yesterday evening.
“It is very exciting to be included in our first ever Constitutional Convention, which will bring together politicians and citizens to consider possible changes to the Constitution like never before. It is a great privilege to be asked by An Taoiseach to serve as one of the Fine Gael members on the Convention.
“We all have a duty to ensure we get the most out of this process. In the run up to its formation it has been criticised for being nothing more than a talking shop. That is an insult to the 66 members of the public who are being selected at random to take part. Politicians from every political party will also be involved, ensuring we have a wide variety of views, opinions and experience to add to the process.
“The Constitutional Convention is one of the many methods this Government is employing to introduce significant reform. The Convention will first consider reducing the voting age and shortening the Presidential term. I think it is a very good idea that we begin the process with two topics that are relatively uncontroversial. In this way, if there are any teething problems with the way the Convention is being conducted, we can address them at an early stage.
“The Convention will report on these first two issues within two months, and over the next year or so it will consider a number of other Constitutional issues.
“I am very glad that a number of the issues listed for consideration under the Convention have particular relevance to women. Ensuring that women are fully represented and respected in public and private life in Ireland remains a constant challenge. The Convention will consider amending the clause on the role of women in the home, encouraging greater participation of women in public life and increasing the participation of women in politics.
“The Constitutional Convention can bridge the gap between politics and the people. We are embarking on an innovative process that aims to equip the Constitution for the challenges of the 21st Century. I am delighted to be taking part.”
Water Notice - Disruption to the Water Supply - Dunshaughlin Village
Water Notice - Disruption to the Water Supply - Dunshaughlin Village - Monday November 26th from 11:00pm until 5:00 am Tuesday morning
Date Released: 23 November 2012
Disruption to the Water Supply - Dunshaughlin Village
Meath County Council wish to advise consumers in Dunshaughlin Village and surrounding areas, they may experience disruption to the water supply on Monday November 26th from 11:00pm until 5:00 am Tuesday morning.
This is due to essential maintenance works.
Meath County Council regret any inconvenience caused
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Government spends more than €2.7 million on flood relief efforts for Meath
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) said that more
than €2.7 million has been allocated this year to Meath County Council for flood
prevention works. Deputy Doherty received the information in response to a
Parliamentary Question she tabled to the Minister for Public Expenditure and
Reform, Brendan Howlin TD.
“This year alone, more than €2.7 million is being allocated to Meath County Council to help with flood risk management. Since 2009, almost €16 million has spent on flood prevention works in Co. Meath. Much of this money has been spent on the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme, which is now substantially complete. Other works have also been undertaken on the River Tolka and at Northlands in Mornington.
“We know how damaging flooding can be in Co. Meath. Just two months ago, a housing estate in Bettystown was flooded after very heavy rainfall. Last year the county was also hit by flooding after severe downpours caused terrible damage across the east coast.
“Between now and 2016, the Government will spend a quarter of a billion euro on flood relief measures, which is more than the total spent on such measures in the previous ten years. Considering our difficult economic circumstances, this substantial investment in flood prevention shows the Government recognises the serious personal impact flooding can have.
“While we cannot plan for every natural eventuality, I hope the alleviation and flood relief works being carried out in Co. Meath will help to prevent flooding from having a devastating impact on householders in the future.”
“This year alone, more than €2.7 million is being allocated to Meath County Council to help with flood risk management. Since 2009, almost €16 million has spent on flood prevention works in Co. Meath. Much of this money has been spent on the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme, which is now substantially complete. Other works have also been undertaken on the River Tolka and at Northlands in Mornington.
“We know how damaging flooding can be in Co. Meath. Just two months ago, a housing estate in Bettystown was flooded after very heavy rainfall. Last year the county was also hit by flooding after severe downpours caused terrible damage across the east coast.
“Between now and 2016, the Government will spend a quarter of a billion euro on flood relief measures, which is more than the total spent on such measures in the previous ten years. Considering our difficult economic circumstances, this substantial investment in flood prevention shows the Government recognises the serious personal impact flooding can have.
“While we cannot plan for every natural eventuality, I hope the alleviation and flood relief works being carried out in Co. Meath will help to prevent flooding from having a devastating impact on householders in the future.”
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Government approves drafting of legislation to dissolve CEBs and create new and enhanced support model for small business
Ministers Bruton and Perry launch 4 week public consultation on reforms, seek views of small business
The Government this week gave the go-ahead to begin drafting primary legislation to dissolve the existing County & City Enterprise Boards and create an enhanced national micro enterprise support model, delivered through Local Enterprise Offices to be established in each Local Authority office, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD announced today (Wednesday).
Minister Bruton together with the Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry TD, also today launched a four week public consultation on the Government’s reforms of supports for the micro-enterprise and small business sector, and sought the views of all stakeholders, in particular small businesspeople and small business representative groups, to the plans.
The key elements included in this reform programme are:
· Establish a Centre of Excellence for micro and small business supports within Enterprise Ireland
· Establish a network of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities incorporating the enterprise-centric focus of the City & County Enterprise Boards following their dissolution. These Offices will operate under a robust Service Level Agreement with Enterprise Ireland
· Create the best possible local environment for small business by combining enterprise support for business at local level with the business support service and expertise of Local Authorities
· Develop a strong network for entrepreneurship by working with local business and the wider community
Specific targets will be set for the new structures to deliver, including on:
· Increasing the number of and 5-year survival of new start-ups
· Increasing the number of start-ups by women
· Increasing exports from microbusiness and small business
· Increasing job-creation and innovation in the sector
The structure of the new service was laid out by the Government decision of early 2012, based on proposals developed by Minister Bruton and Minister Hogan. The consultation paper sets out further detail on the reform process and Ministers Bruton and Perry are keen to receive the opinions from the micro & small business sector across Ireland on how the changes to be brought about can best provide support to the right people, at the right time and at the right level. Views are also sought on the details of the implementation as well as any innovative ideas for better supports to the sector and better customer service delivery.
Responses to the consultation process will be considered by the Implementation Working Group, which will report to Minister Bruton after the end of the consultation process. Other measures due to be delivered in the coming months include:
· Early December– establishment of Micro and Small Business Division in Enterprise Ireland to develop a Centre of Excellence
· January 2013– launch advance Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)
· April 2013– establish all LEOs on an administrative basis
· Summer 2013– enact enabling legislation
Minister Bruton said:
“Micro and small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy, and employ over a third of all people working in Ireland today. If we are going to create the jobs and growth we need we must provide better supports to this sector so that more of these businesses can start-up, grow, export, and create the jobs we need. That is why as part of the Action Plan for Jobs we have introduced a range of new measures aimed at micro and small businesses, including the ■90million microfinance scheme and the ■450million credit guarantee scheme.
“A key part of this plan is ensuring that micro and small businesses throughout the country have access to the best possible range of supports at all stages of their developments. That is why the Government decided earlier this year on a package of reforms which will ensure that this can be delivered, by creating a Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland to develop best practice in small business support, and a network of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities responsible for delivering these supports across the country.
“Today I am happy to announce that, after substantial work by my Department, Minister Hogan’s Department and all other stakeholders, I have secured Government approval to draft legislation to give effect to these changes. It is also important that all affected parties have the opportunity to have their voices heard on these changes, and I urge people to participate in the consultation process”.
Minister Perry said:
“As Minister for Small Business I am acutely aware, along with my Government colleagues, how important the small business sector is to Ireland and the country’s economic recovery. Government does not create jobs, people and businesses do. The role of Government, and the centrepiece of our plan, is to make it easier for businesses to start-up, expand, succeed, and create jobs.
“This is why as part of the Action Plan for Jobs we are restructuring enterprise supports for the micro and small business sector and more closely aligning the services currently provided by the CEBs and Local Authorities. The new Local Enterprise Offices will act as a first-stop-shop facility for small business at local level and will incorporate the successful CEB model of supporting enterprise, but will also allow the provision of an enhanced role by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities for the wider small business sector.
“It is important that the Government hear directly from people in the small business sector and I would ask people to engage in this important consultative process.”
Written submissions should be submitted by19th December 2012 to mepu@djei.ie.
The Government this week gave the go-ahead to begin drafting primary legislation to dissolve the existing County & City Enterprise Boards and create an enhanced national micro enterprise support model, delivered through Local Enterprise Offices to be established in each Local Authority office, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD announced today (Wednesday).
Minister Bruton together with the Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry TD, also today launched a four week public consultation on the Government’s reforms of supports for the micro-enterprise and small business sector, and sought the views of all stakeholders, in particular small businesspeople and small business representative groups, to the plans.
The key elements included in this reform programme are:
· Establish a Centre of Excellence for micro and small business supports within Enterprise Ireland
· Establish a network of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities incorporating the enterprise-centric focus of the City & County Enterprise Boards following their dissolution. These Offices will operate under a robust Service Level Agreement with Enterprise Ireland
· Create the best possible local environment for small business by combining enterprise support for business at local level with the business support service and expertise of Local Authorities
· Develop a strong network for entrepreneurship by working with local business and the wider community
Specific targets will be set for the new structures to deliver, including on:
· Increasing the number of and 5-year survival of new start-ups
· Increasing the number of start-ups by women
· Increasing exports from microbusiness and small business
· Increasing job-creation and innovation in the sector
The structure of the new service was laid out by the Government decision of early 2012, based on proposals developed by Minister Bruton and Minister Hogan. The consultation paper sets out further detail on the reform process and Ministers Bruton and Perry are keen to receive the opinions from the micro & small business sector across Ireland on how the changes to be brought about can best provide support to the right people, at the right time and at the right level. Views are also sought on the details of the implementation as well as any innovative ideas for better supports to the sector and better customer service delivery.
Responses to the consultation process will be considered by the Implementation Working Group, which will report to Minister Bruton after the end of the consultation process. Other measures due to be delivered in the coming months include:
· Early December– establishment of Micro and Small Business Division in Enterprise Ireland to develop a Centre of Excellence
· January 2013– launch advance Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs)
· April 2013– establish all LEOs on an administrative basis
· Summer 2013– enact enabling legislation
Minister Bruton said:
“Micro and small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy, and employ over a third of all people working in Ireland today. If we are going to create the jobs and growth we need we must provide better supports to this sector so that more of these businesses can start-up, grow, export, and create the jobs we need. That is why as part of the Action Plan for Jobs we have introduced a range of new measures aimed at micro and small businesses, including the ■90million microfinance scheme and the ■450million credit guarantee scheme.
“A key part of this plan is ensuring that micro and small businesses throughout the country have access to the best possible range of supports at all stages of their developments. That is why the Government decided earlier this year on a package of reforms which will ensure that this can be delivered, by creating a Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland to develop best practice in small business support, and a network of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities responsible for delivering these supports across the country.
“Today I am happy to announce that, after substantial work by my Department, Minister Hogan’s Department and all other stakeholders, I have secured Government approval to draft legislation to give effect to these changes. It is also important that all affected parties have the opportunity to have their voices heard on these changes, and I urge people to participate in the consultation process”.
Minister Perry said:
“As Minister for Small Business I am acutely aware, along with my Government colleagues, how important the small business sector is to Ireland and the country’s economic recovery. Government does not create jobs, people and businesses do. The role of Government, and the centrepiece of our plan, is to make it easier for businesses to start-up, expand, succeed, and create jobs.
“This is why as part of the Action Plan for Jobs we are restructuring enterprise supports for the micro and small business sector and more closely aligning the services currently provided by the CEBs and Local Authorities. The new Local Enterprise Offices will act as a first-stop-shop facility for small business at local level and will incorporate the successful CEB model of supporting enterprise, but will also allow the provision of an enhanced role by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities for the wider small business sector.
“It is important that the Government hear directly from people in the small business sector and I would ask people to engage in this important consultative process.”
Written submissions should be submitted by19th December 2012 to mepu@djei.ie.
Health Committee to meet with Irish Premature Babies Organisation and Comhairle na nÓg
Representatives from the Irish Premature Babies Organisation will attend the meeting of the Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, Thursday 22nd November, 2012 to mark
World Prematurity Day
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and now the number two cause of child mortality globally. To mark World Prematurity Day, we will meet with representatives from the Irish Premature Babies Organisation to discuss the international campaign to raise awareness of the 15 million babies who are born too soon each year and consider what measures are necessary to improve the health of mothers and premature babies here and abroad.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow, Thursday, 22nd November, 2012 at 9.30am in Committee Room 2, LH 2000.
Following its meeting with the Irish Premature Babies Organisation, the Committee will discuss youth issues with Comhairle na nÓg.
“Comhairle na nÓg are local youth councils which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. Given the on-going developments in the area of children and young people, it is an opportune time to meet with Comhairle na nÓg to discuss matters regarding children and youth issues.”
Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPI
World Prematurity Day
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and now the number two cause of child mortality globally. To mark World Prematurity Day, we will meet with representatives from the Irish Premature Babies Organisation to discuss the international campaign to raise awareness of the 15 million babies who are born too soon each year and consider what measures are necessary to improve the health of mothers and premature babies here and abroad.”
The meeting takes place tomorrow, Thursday, 22nd November, 2012 at 9.30am in Committee Room 2, LH 2000.
Following its meeting with the Irish Premature Babies Organisation, the Committee will discuss youth issues with Comhairle na nÓg.
“Comhairle na nÓg are local youth councils which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. Given the on-going developments in the area of children and young people, it is an opportune time to meet with Comhairle na nÓg to discuss matters regarding children and youth issues.”
Committee proceedings can be followed live at: http://bit.ly/24YmPI
Monday, November 19, 2012
Slane Traffic Management Study Public Consultation
Info session on the Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report at the Conyngham Arms Hotel, Slane on Wednesday 21st November between 3.00pm and 8.00pm
Slane Traffic Management Study
Public Consultation
Meath County Council invites residents of Slane and surrounding areas, members of the public and interested parties to participate in an information session on the Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report at the Conyngham Arms Hotel, Slane on Wednesday 21st November between 3.00pm and 8.00pm
Details of the study will be on display, and staff from Meath County Council & the consultants who undertook the study, Aecom, will be on hand to discuss and
take questions on the findings of the report.
The Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report will be available for inspection at Meath County Council’s offices at County Hall, Navan, at Duleek Civic Offices
& the National Road Design Office at Navan Enterprise Centre from 14th November 2012 to 19th December 2012.
Also a copy of the report can be downloaded from following Link: Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 Report October 2012
Written submissions or observations on the Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report can be submitted to
Meath County Council,
National Road Design Office,
Navan Enterprise Centre,
Trim Road,
Navan,
Co Meath
Slane Traffic Management Study
Public Consultation
Details of the study will be on display, and staff from Meath County Council & the consultants who undertook the study, Aecom, will be on hand to discuss and
take questions on the findings of the report.
The Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report will be available for inspection at Meath County Council’s offices at County Hall, Navan, at Duleek Civic Offices
& the National Road Design Office at Navan Enterprise Centre from 14th November 2012 to 19th December 2012.
Also a copy of the report can be downloaded from following Link: Slane Traffic Management Study Stage 1 Report October 2012
Written submissions or observations on the Traffic Management Study Stage 1 report can be submitted to
Meath County Council,
National Road Design Office,
Navan Enterprise Centre,
Trim Road,
Navan,
Co Meath
Voluntary organisations will not be charged for vetting application
Fine Gael Meath East Deputy and Chair of the Fine Gael Committee on Health, Regina Doherty, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter TD, that there is no plan to charge voluntary organisations for vetting applications under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Bill 2012.
Deputy Doherty received notification from the Justice Minister following on from a letter the Meath Deputy sent to the Minister to make enquiries about the issue.
“Despite the fact that Section 31 of the Act allows for fees for vetting applications to be charged for certain categories of employment, I welcome the Minister’s assurance that voluntary organisations will not be subject to this. Ensuring that we have adequate vetting procedures in place is essential to protecting our children. The last thing we want is for cost considerations to prevent organisations from playing their part in making sure all children are being cared for in a safe and secure environment.
“Minister Shatter conceded that there may be some consideration given to charging commercial or semi-commercial organisations for vetting in the future. It will come as a welcome relief to voluntary organisations that there is currently no mention of these charges being extended to them.
“It is expected that the Bill will come into effect early in the New Year, requiring those who commence working with children or vulnerable persons on an on-going basis to be vetted. Where retrospective vetting is concerned, there is a provision in the Act to deal with staff who were hired before the Act came into force. It is estimated that, due to existing resources, retrospective vetting will take about two years and that once this issue has been adequately dealt with, it will not need to be revisited. Re-vetting of staff will take place, however, around every 5 years or but this provision will not come into effect until the retrospective vetting process has been properly completed.
“This legislation, together with the Withholding of Information Bill, the placing of the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory footing and the ratification by the Irish people of the Children’s Referendum, will enable us to ensure that the utmost care and consideration is given to our children’s safety and welfare.”
Deputy Doherty received notification from the Justice Minister following on from a letter the Meath Deputy sent to the Minister to make enquiries about the issue.
“Despite the fact that Section 31 of the Act allows for fees for vetting applications to be charged for certain categories of employment, I welcome the Minister’s assurance that voluntary organisations will not be subject to this. Ensuring that we have adequate vetting procedures in place is essential to protecting our children. The last thing we want is for cost considerations to prevent organisations from playing their part in making sure all children are being cared for in a safe and secure environment.
“Minister Shatter conceded that there may be some consideration given to charging commercial or semi-commercial organisations for vetting in the future. It will come as a welcome relief to voluntary organisations that there is currently no mention of these charges being extended to them.
“It is expected that the Bill will come into effect early in the New Year, requiring those who commence working with children or vulnerable persons on an on-going basis to be vetted. Where retrospective vetting is concerned, there is a provision in the Act to deal with staff who were hired before the Act came into force. It is estimated that, due to existing resources, retrospective vetting will take about two years and that once this issue has been adequately dealt with, it will not need to be revisited. Re-vetting of staff will take place, however, around every 5 years or but this provision will not come into effect until the retrospective vetting process has been properly completed.
“This legislation, together with the Withholding of Information Bill, the placing of the Children’s First Guidelines on a statutory footing and the ratification by the Irish people of the Children’s Referendum, will enable us to ensure that the utmost care and consideration is given to our children’s safety and welfare.”
Friday, November 16, 2012
Doherty & Buttimer welcome radical reform document for the health sector
Patients to be placed at the centre of decision making, ensuring faster, fairer service delivery
Fine Gael Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Jerry Buttimer TD, and the Party’s Internal Health Committee Chair, Regina Doherty TD, have welcomed the publication today (Thursday) of the radical healthcare reform document by the Department of Health.
The document, entitled Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015, sets out the roadmap for the overhaul of our healthcare services so that value for money and appropriate service delivery can be achieved.
Speaking following the launch Deputy Doherty said: ‘As the document states, the healthcare system in this country is currently unfair to patients, does not deliver value for money and is in dire need of reform. We are facing major challenges in terms of dealing with the budget deficit, getting the trolley numbers completely under control and dealing with increased activity, year on year. All of this in the context of Ireland having an ageing population’.
“However, this document charts the way forward by outlining the steps to be taken on the basis of the best possible evidence. A full collaborative approach is to be taken which will make full use of the Regional Health Forums who will consult with the relevant stakeholders to ensure best service delivery. The patient will be front and centre in the reform process which will seek to have patients treated at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely and that is delivered as close to home as possible.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The radical reform agenda being carried out by Minister Reilly will not happen overnight. This Government was handed a health service that was creaking at the seams and which had money thrown at it as the solution to all its problems. The Irish people, quite frankly, deserve better’.
“It is the Government’s intention to create a single-tier health service which is supported by Universal Health Insurance and where no distinction between public and private patients exists. Outcomes for patients will be improved, free access to GPs will be available, as is the case in other countries, and there will be better management of chronic illnesses.
“We have no choice but to do more with less, but that aside, it is high time we had a healthcare system that worked for, instead of against, us. Healthcare staff, consultants and, most of all, the patient, who should always have been at the heart of the system, deserve it. I have no doubt that this intention can and will become a reality under Dr. James Reilly TD.”
Fine Gael Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health, Jerry Buttimer TD, and the Party’s Internal Health Committee Chair, Regina Doherty TD, have welcomed the publication today (Thursday) of the radical healthcare reform document by the Department of Health.
The document, entitled Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012-2015, sets out the roadmap for the overhaul of our healthcare services so that value for money and appropriate service delivery can be achieved.
Speaking following the launch Deputy Doherty said: ‘As the document states, the healthcare system in this country is currently unfair to patients, does not deliver value for money and is in dire need of reform. We are facing major challenges in terms of dealing with the budget deficit, getting the trolley numbers completely under control and dealing with increased activity, year on year. All of this in the context of Ireland having an ageing population’.
“However, this document charts the way forward by outlining the steps to be taken on the basis of the best possible evidence. A full collaborative approach is to be taken which will make full use of the Regional Health Forums who will consult with the relevant stakeholders to ensure best service delivery. The patient will be front and centre in the reform process which will seek to have patients treated at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely and that is delivered as close to home as possible.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The radical reform agenda being carried out by Minister Reilly will not happen overnight. This Government was handed a health service that was creaking at the seams and which had money thrown at it as the solution to all its problems. The Irish people, quite frankly, deserve better’.
“It is the Government’s intention to create a single-tier health service which is supported by Universal Health Insurance and where no distinction between public and private patients exists. Outcomes for patients will be improved, free access to GPs will be available, as is the case in other countries, and there will be better management of chronic illnesses.
“We have no choice but to do more with less, but that aside, it is high time we had a healthcare system that worked for, instead of against, us. Healthcare staff, consultants and, most of all, the patient, who should always have been at the heart of the system, deserve it. I have no doubt that this intention can and will become a reality under Dr. James Reilly TD.”
Thursday, November 15, 2012
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