Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Tuesday) warmly welcomed the compensation package approved by the Government for survivors of symphysiotomies. Deputy Doherty has been working with the women involved and has been urging the Government to bring closure to the issue.
“It is an important day for the survivors of symphysiotomy; finally the pain and injustice they suffered is being fully recognised. The graduated compensation scheme will make a big difference to the women involved; most of whom are more than 75 years old.
‘Survivors of symphisiotomy have had their entire lives blighted by a barbaric procedure that had more in common with the Middle Ages than modern medicine. The Minister for Health, James Reilly, has been committed to addressing this issue and I am relieved that a resolution has finally been found.
“In accepting the recommendations of Judge Yvonne Murphy, the Government is sending a very strong message to survivors of symphysiotomy that it understands what they have gone through. I also think it is very important that the Government has clearly condemned the practice of symphysiotomies, describing them as ‘indefensible and wrong’.
“I understand that victims of the procedure have been frustrated at the time delays they have experienced. But the important thing is that we now finally have a compensation scheme in place. This is yet another legacy issue which has been dealt with by this Government, and by Minister Reilly in particular.
“The Government has also stated its commitment to continuing to provide a wide range of services to the women, including the provision of medical cards.
“Thankfully, Ireland is now one of the safest places in the world in which to have a baby. But this was not always the case, as our legacy of symphysiotomies proves. The women who were subjected to this horrific procedure deserve justice, and I am pleased that Minister Reilly has been the person to deliver it.”
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Supplementary health budget was €595 million in FF’s last year in Government
Fine Gael Meath East TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Regina Doherty, has today (Thursday) reminded Fianna Fáil that the supplementary budget for Health was €595 million during the Party’s last year in Government. Her comments come after Micheál Martin criticised the Government over the challenges facing the health budget for this year.
“Fianna Fáil has absolutely no credibility to talk about the management of our health services or the health budget. In 2010, Fianna Fáil’s last year in Government, the supplementary budget for health was €595 million. In 2001, when Micheál Martin was Minister for Health and money was plentiful, the supplementary budget was €250 million.
“In 14 of the last 17 years, there has been a supplementary budget in health. When Fianna Fáil was in charge of the health service it failed to introduce reforms and its only legacy is the establishment of the HSE, which has proven to be a completely inefficient structure.
“It is farcical that Fianna Fáil’s health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, would claim that under Fianna Fáil, supplementary budgets were used to introduce ‘new services’. I wonder can Billy tell us what new services were introduced in 2010, when the biggest ever supplementary budget was needed?
“It is impossible to talk about the challenges facing the health sector without taking account of the huge budget reductions that have been necessary thanks to Fianna Fáil’s mismanagement of the economy. The health service has endured budget cuts totalling €3.3 billion, while at the same time demand has increased significantly and staff numbers have been reduced by 14,000.
“It’s also hard to listen to Fianna Fáil lecturing on health, when it doesn’t even have a policy of its own. Fianna Fáil went into the last General Election with a manifesto that didn’t even have a health section.
“In 2013, Micheál Martin published a policy guide promising a detailed document on how the health system should work at a later stage. There’s still no sign of it. And the paper authored by Brian Turner, which the Party loves to mention, contained the following disclaimer: 'The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the School of Economics, University College Cork or Fianna Fáil.'
“We recognise that our health system is dysfunctional, and that’s why we are replacing it with a new system of Universal Health Insurance with strong financial incentives through the introduction of Money Follows the Patient. Under very difficult circumstances, we are gradually getting health spending under control. Fianna Fáil should reflect on its own terrible record in health rather than shout hypocritically from the Opposition benches.”
Friday, June 20, 2014
Doherty and Buttimer urge HSE to fast track assessment of life changing MS drug
Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, are urging the HSE to fast track the assessment of a new life changing drug being used to treat Multiple Sclerosis. A number of MS patients are currently benefitting from a trial of Fampyra, but the trial is due to end shortly and the medication is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme (GMS).
The Deputies met with MS sufferers taking Fampyra last week and raised the issue with the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, in the Dáil this week.
Deputy Doherty said: ‘The manufacturers of Fampyra, Biogen, were originally refused access to the GMS when they first applied. Biogen has made the drug available free of charge on a trial basis for some MS sufferers. It has had a transformative effect on their lives. These patients are now very concerned about how they will deteriorate when the drug trial ends later this month’.
“I was pleased to learn that Biogen has reapplied for inclusion in the GMS, which would allow the State to cover the cost of providing to these patients. I have urged the Minister to ensure the HSE fast tracks the application process so the MS sufferers can be put at ease about the supply of their medication.
“I agree with the Minister’s call for drug companies to engage in greater risk sharing when it comes to covering the cost of new medications. The State cannot be expected to foot the entire bill in every case. The Minister has said the HSE will deal with the Biogen application without delay, so I hope the application process can go ahead as quickly as possible.”
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘Fampyra has had a huge impact on the lives of patients with a certain strain of MS. It helps with mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily. While it is encouraging that the manufacturer has resubmitted its application for inclusion on the GMS, I would also call on the company to continue to provide the drug free of charge until the situation is resolved’.
“Minister Reilly has said that he understands how anxious these patients are due to the impending end of their drug trial. They simply will not be able to afford to pay for the medication themselves and therefore I hope HSE can act quickly and include the Famprya on the GMS and community drugs schemes.”
The Deputies met with MS sufferers taking Fampyra last week and raised the issue with the Minister for Health, James Reilly TD, in the Dáil this week.
Deputy Doherty said: ‘The manufacturers of Fampyra, Biogen, were originally refused access to the GMS when they first applied. Biogen has made the drug available free of charge on a trial basis for some MS sufferers. It has had a transformative effect on their lives. These patients are now very concerned about how they will deteriorate when the drug trial ends later this month’.
“I was pleased to learn that Biogen has reapplied for inclusion in the GMS, which would allow the State to cover the cost of providing to these patients. I have urged the Minister to ensure the HSE fast tracks the application process so the MS sufferers can be put at ease about the supply of their medication.
“I agree with the Minister’s call for drug companies to engage in greater risk sharing when it comes to covering the cost of new medications. The State cannot be expected to foot the entire bill in every case. The Minister has said the HSE will deal with the Biogen application without delay, so I hope the application process can go ahead as quickly as possible.”
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘Fampyra has had a huge impact on the lives of patients with a certain strain of MS. It helps with mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily. While it is encouraging that the manufacturer has resubmitted its application for inclusion on the GMS, I would also call on the company to continue to provide the drug free of charge until the situation is resolved’.
“Minister Reilly has said that he understands how anxious these patients are due to the impending end of their drug trial. They simply will not be able to afford to pay for the medication themselves and therefore I hope HSE can act quickly and include the Famprya on the GMS and community drugs schemes.”
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Martin must state whether he condones his justice spokesperson’s intervention in a criminal trial
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today
(Thursday) called on Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, to state whether he
stands over his justice spokesperson’s intervention in a criminal trial.
“Micheál Martin must publicly state whether he thinks it is appropriate for his Party’s justice spokesperson to seek to influence the sentencing of a convicted drug dealer.
“It is not credible for Micheál Martin to stay silent on this issue.
“The actions of Deputy Collins leave his role as justice spokesperson severely compromised.
“As Party leader, Micheál Martin has a duty to state whether he condones the actions of Deputy Collins and whether he thinks it is acceptable for his Party’s justice spokesperson to plead for leniency in the sentencing of a drug dealer.”
“Micheál Martin must publicly state whether he thinks it is appropriate for his Party’s justice spokesperson to seek to influence the sentencing of a convicted drug dealer.
“It is not credible for Micheál Martin to stay silent on this issue.
“The actions of Deputy Collins leave his role as justice spokesperson severely compromised.
“As Party leader, Micheál Martin has a duty to state whether he condones the actions of Deputy Collins and whether he thinks it is acceptable for his Party’s justice spokesperson to plead for leniency in the sentencing of a drug dealer.”
Friday, June 13, 2014
McGuinness proves he is not an impartial chair with PAC outburst
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) strongly criticised Fianna Fáil TD, John McGuinness, for his outburst at two HSE chiefs during a hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday, saying his comments prove he is not an impartial Chairman.
"Being Chair of the PAC seems to have gone to John McGuinness' head and he now sees himself as judge, jury and executioner. It is completely inappropriate to launch the kind of political attacks on public servants that he did at the PAC today.
“How can any future witness feel assured that they are in the hands of a fair, impartial and effective Chair when he cannot even control his own intemperate outbursts?
“The PAC has a proud tradition of getting to the truth in a non-political, professional manner and McGuinness risks undermining the entire committee system with his desire to turn it into a show trial.
“Furthermore, John McGuinness’ comments take absolutely no account of the fact that the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Health are a direct result of his Party’s mismanagement of the economy while he was a senior member of government.
"Being Chair of the PAC seems to have gone to John McGuinness' head and he now sees himself as judge, jury and executioner. It is completely inappropriate to launch the kind of political attacks on public servants that he did at the PAC today.
“How can any future witness feel assured that they are in the hands of a fair, impartial and effective Chair when he cannot even control his own intemperate outbursts?
“The PAC has a proud tradition of getting to the truth in a non-political, professional manner and McGuinness risks undermining the entire committee system with his desire to turn it into a show trial.
“Furthermore, John McGuinness’ comments take absolutely no account of the fact that the budgetary challenges facing the Department of Health are a direct result of his Party’s mismanagement of the economy while he was a senior member of government.
“This is not the first time that Deputy McGuinness’ judgement has been brought into serious question. This is the man who:
- Last year said the taxpayer should pay for ministers’ spouses on official trips after he was found to have brought his wife on State trips when he was minister
- Took severance pay of more than €60,000 in 2011, despite an order from his Party leader for all former ministers to forgo such payments
- Approved an upgrade of his ministerial office which ended up costing the taxpayer €250,000
- Defended overtime payments of more than €30,000 in one year to his son, who worked for him while he was minister
Buttimer and Doherty urge HSE to allow patients to continue to receive vital MS drug
Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, have urged the HSE to take action to ensure Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients can continue to receive a new drug which is significantly improving their condition. The TDs were speaking after they met with MS sufferers using the drug.
The drug - fampridine (Fampyra®) - is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme, and has been provided free of charge on a trial basis by the manufacturer to certain MS sufferers.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The use of the drug fampridine has had a huge impact on these patients’ lives. It helps MS sufferers with their mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily’.
“The manufacturers of the drug have been supplying it free of charge on a trial basis to some patients, however the MS sufferers we met with today are concerned about what will happen when this trial ends at the end of this month. We are calling on the HSE to actively engage with the company to find a way forward. The patients simply won’t be able to afford to pay for the drug themselves for the foreseeable future.”
Deputy Doherty said: ‘I was struck by just how big a difference this new drug is making to those suffering with MS. It is not suitable for every MS patient; in fact it is only effective for about one in three of those with the disease. But for those for whom it is effective, their quality of living is vastly improved’.
“I know that the HSE has considered the inclusive of fampridine in the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes, but it decided that the manufacturer didn’t prove that the drug provided value for money.
“However studies are ongoing which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug, and I understand that the manufacturer is going to submit a revised application, which will be reconsidered by the HSE. It is crucially important that the HSE fully considers the impact this drug is having on the lives of certain MS sufferers. I am calling on the company to make every effort to put a compelling case forward to prove that this drug is vitally important to MS patients.”
The drug - fampridine (Fampyra®) - is not currently available on the General Medical Scheme, and has been provided free of charge on a trial basis by the manufacturer to certain MS sufferers.
Deputy Buttimer said: ‘The use of the drug fampridine has had a huge impact on these patients’ lives. It helps MS sufferers with their mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily’.
“The manufacturers of the drug have been supplying it free of charge on a trial basis to some patients, however the MS sufferers we met with today are concerned about what will happen when this trial ends at the end of this month. We are calling on the HSE to actively engage with the company to find a way forward. The patients simply won’t be able to afford to pay for the drug themselves for the foreseeable future.”
Deputy Doherty said: ‘I was struck by just how big a difference this new drug is making to those suffering with MS. It is not suitable for every MS patient; in fact it is only effective for about one in three of those with the disease. But for those for whom it is effective, their quality of living is vastly improved’.
“I know that the HSE has considered the inclusive of fampridine in the General Medical Scheme and Community Drugs Schemes, but it decided that the manufacturer didn’t prove that the drug provided value for money.
“However studies are ongoing which clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the drug, and I understand that the manufacturer is going to submit a revised application, which will be reconsidered by the HSE. It is crucially important that the HSE fully considers the impact this drug is having on the lives of certain MS sufferers. I am calling on the company to make every effort to put a compelling case forward to prove that this drug is vitally important to MS patients.”
Friday, June 06, 2014
Cemeteries regulator needed to ensure the bereaved aren’t ripped off
Fine Gael Meath East TD, Regina Doherty, has today (Friday) supported the call for the establishment of a cemeteries regulator, saying it is necessary to ensure the bereaved are not paying over the odds to bury their deceased loved ones. Deputy Doherty was speaking during the Dáil debate on the Cemetery Management Bill 2013.
“Planning a funeral for a loved one can be one of the most challenging, emotionally draining and stressful occasions any of us will face. Bereaved individuals are in a vulnerable state, and I believe the law needs to be strengthened to protect their interests and make sure they are not ripped off due to a lack of competition in the management of cemeteries.
“Currently there are huge variations in the cost of a burial plots in different parts of the country. The increasing commercialisation of the funeral and burial industry has served the industry, rather than the bereaved. In some parts of Dublin, for example, the cost of opening a new grave costs in the region of €4,000, but it can be up to four times higher in other parts of the city. Why the discrepancy?
“The establishment of a cemeteries regulator will make the process fairer and more transparent.
Cemeteries will be awarded licences from the regulator with strict management obligations attached – for example, they must not engage in commercial activities other than interments at their own cemetery.
“The need for a regulator becomes all the more apparent if you consider the situation regarding the Glasnevin Trust, which controls a number of large cemeteries in Dublin. The group has charitable status but engages in commercial activities which ensure it has a monopoly over cemeteries in many parts of the city, and complete control over how much the bereaved are charged.
“Those seeking to bury their loved ones are suffering as a result of the lack of competition in the market. Under the proposed new legislation, cemetery authorities which engage in commercial activities will not be allowed to claim charitable status and the legal structure under which cemeteries operate will be modernised.
“It is my hope that this proposed legislation will make one of the most difficult times in our lives a little easier.”
“Planning a funeral for a loved one can be one of the most challenging, emotionally draining and stressful occasions any of us will face. Bereaved individuals are in a vulnerable state, and I believe the law needs to be strengthened to protect their interests and make sure they are not ripped off due to a lack of competition in the management of cemeteries.
“Currently there are huge variations in the cost of a burial plots in different parts of the country. The increasing commercialisation of the funeral and burial industry has served the industry, rather than the bereaved. In some parts of Dublin, for example, the cost of opening a new grave costs in the region of €4,000, but it can be up to four times higher in other parts of the city. Why the discrepancy?
“The establishment of a cemeteries regulator will make the process fairer and more transparent.
Cemeteries will be awarded licences from the regulator with strict management obligations attached – for example, they must not engage in commercial activities other than interments at their own cemetery.
“The need for a regulator becomes all the more apparent if you consider the situation regarding the Glasnevin Trust, which controls a number of large cemeteries in Dublin. The group has charitable status but engages in commercial activities which ensure it has a monopoly over cemeteries in many parts of the city, and complete control over how much the bereaved are charged.
“Those seeking to bury their loved ones are suffering as a result of the lack of competition in the market. Under the proposed new legislation, cemetery authorities which engage in commercial activities will not be allowed to claim charitable status and the legal structure under which cemeteries operate will be modernised.
“It is my hope that this proposed legislation will make one of the most difficult times in our lives a little easier.”
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Funding Announced For Pyrite Remediation Scheme
Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, has welcomed the announcement of further funding for the pyrite remediation scheme by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD.
She said: "Today's announcement brings to €20m the amount of funding to be allocated by the Pyrite Resolution Board. People in Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne have been severely affected by pyrite problems in their homes. The Government is working hard to help these people who have been in limbo for some time.
"For the past year the Government has been working to put in place a funding model for the pyrite remediation scheme, I am delighted that the initial €10 million fund has now been doubled ensuring that the scheme will be well funded into 2015.
"Pyrite is problem that has arisen through no fault of home owners and people have been waiting for a resolution for a very long time.
"The PRB estimates that there are approximately 1,000 dwellings affected by significant pyritic heave across the country. So far 418 homeowners have completed applications with 146 others in the process. Significant progress has been made in tackling this issue but there is more to do."
She said: "Today's announcement brings to €20m the amount of funding to be allocated by the Pyrite Resolution Board. People in Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin and Dunboyne have been severely affected by pyrite problems in their homes. The Government is working hard to help these people who have been in limbo for some time.
"For the past year the Government has been working to put in place a funding model for the pyrite remediation scheme, I am delighted that the initial €10 million fund has now been doubled ensuring that the scheme will be well funded into 2015.
"Pyrite is problem that has arisen through no fault of home owners and people have been waiting for a resolution for a very long time.
"The PRB estimates that there are approximately 1,000 dwellings affected by significant pyritic heave across the country. So far 418 homeowners have completed applications with 146 others in the process. Significant progress has been made in tackling this issue but there is more to do."
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
‘Welcome to Ashbourne’ for the first time in a long time
Fine Gael TD for Meath East Regina Doherty, today (Tuesday) welcomed news from the National Roads Authority that maintenance works are set to take place on the Rath Cross Roundabout and the Nine Mile Stone Roundabout, on either side of Ashbourne.
“Ashbourne is the second largest town in Co. Meath; thousands of people enter and exit every day. It is unfortunate that for many years they have been greeted with run down, unkempt roundabouts that indicate a similarly neglected town, and not the vibrant community that we actually have.
“The roundabouts on the M2 have been in a dilapidated state for some time. Even as far back as 2010, I was part of a team on Meath County Council who introduced the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme. It was hoped that through this scheme local businesses could sponsor the roundabouts and ensure that they are always kept in supreme condition.
“However, as the roundabouts are part of the NRA road network, it was not within the remit of the Council to allocate funds or to appoint businesses to sponsor under this Scheme. For too long the roundabouts were neglected. After many letters, emails and phone calls to the NRA, I am delighted to announce that our roundabouts are to receive the attention that they need.
“Ashbourne is a great town with a lot to offer. When people arrive the first thing they see should be clean, tidy and attractive. The works on the roundabouts should finally achieve this.”
“Ashbourne is the second largest town in Co. Meath; thousands of people enter and exit every day. It is unfortunate that for many years they have been greeted with run down, unkempt roundabouts that indicate a similarly neglected town, and not the vibrant community that we actually have.
“The roundabouts on the M2 have been in a dilapidated state for some time. Even as far back as 2010, I was part of a team on Meath County Council who introduced the Roundabout Sponsorship Scheme. It was hoped that through this scheme local businesses could sponsor the roundabouts and ensure that they are always kept in supreme condition.
“However, as the roundabouts are part of the NRA road network, it was not within the remit of the Council to allocate funds or to appoint businesses to sponsor under this Scheme. For too long the roundabouts were neglected. After many letters, emails and phone calls to the NRA, I am delighted to announce that our roundabouts are to receive the attention that they need.
“Ashbourne is a great town with a lot to offer. When people arrive the first thing they see should be clean, tidy and attractive. The works on the roundabouts should finally achieve this.”
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Capital Gains Tax Exemptions to provide relief for Meath farmers on foot of changes to Common Agriculture Policy
Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Regina Doherty, today (Thursday) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD that he intends to provide a capital gains tax (CGT) exemption in this year’s Finance Bill.
“The news of CGT exemptions is really positive news for farmers who dispose of their single farm payment entitlements as a result of changes introduced under the new EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
“A technical change made at EU level to the new CAP arrangements for replacing the Single Payment Scheme for farmers with the Basic Payment Scheme, impacts on farmers who let all of their land and has a knock on effect on farm payment entitlements. Due to the changes, farmers in this position will lose their farm payment entitlements and they have been advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to sell those entitlements to active farmers. Farmers who take this advice would be subject to CGT.
“The changes to the new CAP would have meant that farmers who lease their land would either lose their farm payment entitlements or they would be forced to sell and be subject to CGT. The Minister for Finance recognised that farmers were unable to prepare for this change and so is making an exemption from CGT available to any chargeable gains arising from the disposal by the owners of payment entitlements under the scheme, where all of those entitlements were leased out in 2013 and where the owners were advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to transfer their entitlements.
“Agriculture is a major industry in Co. Meath and farmers in the area should be pleased with this change. The Government is dedicated to supporting and encouraging farmers and in ensuring that economic recovery is felt in all regions and in all sectors. The Minister today has put an end to uncertainty for farmers who are affected.”
“The news of CGT exemptions is really positive news for farmers who dispose of their single farm payment entitlements as a result of changes introduced under the new EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
“A technical change made at EU level to the new CAP arrangements for replacing the Single Payment Scheme for farmers with the Basic Payment Scheme, impacts on farmers who let all of their land and has a knock on effect on farm payment entitlements. Due to the changes, farmers in this position will lose their farm payment entitlements and they have been advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to sell those entitlements to active farmers. Farmers who take this advice would be subject to CGT.
“The changes to the new CAP would have meant that farmers who lease their land would either lose their farm payment entitlements or they would be forced to sell and be subject to CGT. The Minister for Finance recognised that farmers were unable to prepare for this change and so is making an exemption from CGT available to any chargeable gains arising from the disposal by the owners of payment entitlements under the scheme, where all of those entitlements were leased out in 2013 and where the owners were advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to transfer their entitlements.
“Agriculture is a major industry in Co. Meath and farmers in the area should be pleased with this change. The Government is dedicated to supporting and encouraging farmers and in ensuring that economic recovery is felt in all regions and in all sectors. The Minister today has put an end to uncertainty for farmers who are affected.”
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