Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2000 > Committee on Health and Children > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, 1999-2000

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Shláinte agus Leanaí Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Health and Children Work of the Joint Committee

1999–2000

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 79A, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 69, Seanad Éireann which provides for Joint Committee reports and work programmes as follows–

•review of its procedure and its role

•annual work programme

•laying minutes of proceedings

•making an annual report.

At its meeting on 7 December 2000 the Committee agreed that all these items be included in its annual report.

2. Functions and Powers of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Health and Children was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13th November, 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19th November, 1997 as part of a programme of Oireachtas reform involving the refining of the Committee system to enable more detailed examination of Government Departments including–

•public affairs administered by each Department

•legislature and expenditure proposals of each Department

•certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of each Department.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified by further Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (1)(a)(iv) added) and the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee, as so modified, are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Batt O'Keeffe was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 2 December, 1997. Deputy Paul Connaughton was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 16 December, 1997. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Cecilia Keaveney and Paul Bradford are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members' availability for divisions.

The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Kildare House. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Joint Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Joint Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by R.T.É. and TV3.

Verbatim written reports of public meetings of the Select Committee in relation to Bills and Estimates for the Public Services, Vote 33 Health and Children were published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. These may also be viewed on the Oireachtas website at www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained from the Clerk, Joint Committee on Health and Children, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. A list of these reports are set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 19 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 25 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 4 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 9 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meeting in public session are attached at Appendix 5.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 19 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Health and smoking

•Nursing

•Safety of blood products

•Vaccination of children

•Breastfeeding

•Learning disabilities

•Water fluoridation

•Private health insurance

•Epidermylosis Bullosa

A copy of the Joint Committees work programme for 2001 is at Appendix 6.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 4 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Mental Bill,1999

•Supplementary Estimate 1999- Department of Health and Children

•Revised Estimates 2000- Department of Health and Children

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In the year under report the Joint Committee met with the following:

•The Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children

•Officials from Department of Health and Children

•Officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

•1 employers representative body

•1 state advisory body

•1 state sponsored body

•2 private health insurance companies

•8 special interest groups

•4 representative associations

•2 dental specialists

8. Joint Committee Reports and Resolutions

During the year under report the Joint Committee published the following reports:

•Annual Report 1998/99

•Work Programme 2000

•Report on the BTSB Proposal for Single Site Testing of Blood Products

•Minutes of Evidence of meeting with representatives of DEBRA Ireland on Epidermylosis Bullosa

The Joint Committee also passed the following Resolution -

“Due to the increasing public concern as to the effects of tobacco on public health and the grossly inadequate response of the Tobacco Industry to the Committee's previous inquiries and the recent revelations in the course of litigation in the United States the Committee resolves to investigate further the activities and behaviour of the Tobacco Industry. It further resolves to take all necessary steps to have the true position uncovered as to the safety or otherwise of tobacco products and the possible health dangers posed by them to consumers or third parties.

The Committee believes that the public interest demands that the investigation proceeds without delay.

On the foot of the above resolution, the Committee calls upon the Tobacco Industry to co-operate fully and to provide all relevant information. In the event of the Tobacco Companies not co-operating, the Committee will consider all other options open to it.”

8.1 Work in Progress

(i)Water Fluoridation

The Joint Committee held a number of meetings with various interested parties on the issue of water fluoridation. Deputy John Gormley has been appointed by the Committee as a rapporteur to prepare a report for the Committee on this subject. A draft report should be available by the end of 2000.

(ii)Hospital Waiting Lists

The Committee has appointed Deputy Liz McManus as a rapporteur to carry out a comparative analysis of waiting lists for acute hospital treatments in EU countries. A draft report will be available for the consideration of the Committee in December 2000.

9. Travel by the Joint Committee

The Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with it's orders of reference in connection with it's work programme.

(a)A delegation from the Joint Committee visited Brussels on 27/28 January to meet with the EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr. David Byrne, to discuss the Commission's action in the field of smoking prevention. The delegation also met with Ms. Génon Jensen, Communications and Membership Services Manager, European Public Health Alliance, and had informal discussions with members of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament.

The delegation of the Joint Committee was led by Mr. Batt O'Keeffe T.D. (Chairman) and also included Deputies Alan Shatter, Beverley Cooper Flynn, Paul Bradford, Michael Ahern and Senators Mary Jackman and Camillus Glynn.

(b)A delegation from the Committee attended a conference “Winning Hearts - Actions and Policies for a Healthier Europe”, which took place in Brussels on 14 February 2000. The Committee was represented at the conference by Deputy John Gormley and Deputy Dan Neville.

(c)The Committee sent a delegation to the 7th Annual Tobacco Litigation Conference, New Orleans, 27/28 April. The Committee was represented by the Committee Chairman, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe and Deputies Paul Bradford*, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, Brendan Kenneally and Alan Shatter. Travelling via New York, the delegation also took the opportunity to meet with Mr. Victor L. Robles, Chairman of the Health Committee of New York City Council for a discussion on the operation of clean air legislation in New York.

(d)Four members of the Committee attended the 13th International AIDS Conference, which took place in Durban, South Africa from 9-14 July 2000. The delegation consisted of Deputies Cecilia Keaveney, Paul Bradford and Dan Neville and Senator Mary Jackman.

(e)The Committee accepted an invitation to attend the 13th World Congress on Medical Law, which took place in Helsinki, Finland from 6-10 August 2000. The Committee were represented at the congress by the Chairman, Batt O'Keeffe T.D., Deputies Michael Ahern, Liz McManus and John Gormley and Senator Camillus Glynn.

(f)A delegation from the Committee attended the 8th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicide Prevention which took place in Bled, Slovenia from 6-9 September 2000. The delegation comprised of Deputy Cecilia Keaveney and Deputy Dan Neville.

10. Function and Powers

In it's Annual Report for 1998/1999, the Committee requested that it be granted the power to send for persons, papers and records so that it could undertake further work and give further consideration to the issue of health and smoking. The Committee has been advised that the appropriate motions conferring on it the additional powers to facilitate further consideration of the issue of health and smoking will be tabled in the Dáil and Seanad in the very near future.

The Committee is happy with its present procedures and role having been advised that it will be granted the additional powers requested.

___________________________

Batt O'Keeffe, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

7 December 2000

(Note: This annual report was agreed by the Joint Committee at its meeting on 7.12.2000)

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann

13th November, 1997, (** 28th April, 1998),

Ordered:

(1) (a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Health and Children, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such—

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Health and Children, and

(ii)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of that Department,

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Health and Children (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2) (a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Health and Children to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Health and Children as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act, and

** (iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b) The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

Orders of Reference

Seanad Éireann

19 November 1997 (*30th April 1998)

Ordered

(1) (a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Health and Children to consider—

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Health an Children as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5 (2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act, and

*(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 1(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Joint Committee On Health And Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

15 December 1999

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.41a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (Chairman), Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Paul Connaughton, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus and Alan Shatter.

Senators Mary Jackman and Pat Moylan.

The Committee agreed to go into private session.

3.In private session

4.In private session

5.In private session

6.Minutes of last Meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

7.Compellability Legislation

The Committee received a memorandum on the required procedures to enable the provisions of the compellability legislation to be extended to the Committee. It was agreed to forward the memorandum to the Party Whips for consideration.

8.Correspondence

The Committee agreed to a request from the Dublin Healthy Cities Project to include the Committee's report on Health and Smoking on a European website on Tobacco currently being developed.

The Committee also agreed to a request from the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights to hold a joint meeting to consider the current difficulties and future direction in relation to asylum seekers and immigrants. The meeting to be chaired by that Committee.

9.Presentation by the National Maternity Hospital Breastfeeding Initiative Team

The Committee heard a presentation by Maureen Fallon, Assistant Matron, Fiona Timlin, La Léche League and Nicky Clarke, Hospital Midwife. It dealt with the dismally low breastfeeding rates in Ireland and the need for action to promote and support breastfeeding in Ireland.

A question and answer followed and the Chairman thanked the group for their excellent presentation.

10.Any Other Business

Deputy Neville raised the issue of the Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals.The Chairman stated that the Committee could consider the Report as part of its work programme for 2000.

The meeting was adjourned at 10.45 a.m. Sine Die.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

10 January, 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

20 January 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 11 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Deirdre Clune, Paul Connaughton, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, *Dinny McGinley and Dan Neville.

Senators Camillus Glynn, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Mary Jackman, Pat Moylan and **Denis O'Donovan.

Apologies were received from Deputies Paul Bradford, Brendan Kenneally and G.V.Wright.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 1999 were amended to include the following item under the heading of'Any Other Business' -

“Deputy Neville raised the issue of the Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals. The Chairman stated that the Committee could consider the Report as part of its work programme for 2000”.

The minutes, as amended, were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence -

-a letter from Deputy Deirdre Clune expressing concern about the decision of the Blood Transfusion Service Board to terminate the testing of blood products in the Munster area and move to a single site testing centre in Dublin. In light of the very serious concerns of the medical profession in the Southern Health Board region, the Committee agreed to discuss the matter at a future meeting and to invite presentations from the B.T.S.B. and the Blood Products Liaison Group of the General Hospitals Committee of the SHB.

-a letter from Deputy Ivor Callely, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business requesting a joint meeting to facilitate a full discussion on the effects of recent changes in prescription requirements for some herbal products and related issues such as regulation and consultation. The Committee agreed to the request for a joint meeting at a mutually convenient date and time.

-a letter from Deputy Gerard Reynolds requesting that the Committee meet with the North West Hospice in Sligo. It was agreed to incorporate a meeting with this group into the Committees meeting schedule.

-an invitation to a conference in Brussels called “Winning Hearts - Actions and Policies for a healthier Europe”. It was agreed to send a delegation to the conference, as the subject matter was relevant to the work of the Committee. Overall costing to be ascertained.

5.Presentation by DEBRA Ireland

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a delegation from DEBRA Ireland - Michael Griffith (Chairperson), Dr. Rosemary Watson, Professor Peter Humphries, Maria Fynes and Margaret Webb. DEBRA Ireland is the support group for sufferers of the skin blistering condition known as Epidermylosis Bullosa. The delegation had been invited to address the meeting regarding the provision and development of EB Nurse Liaison and medical support services, and research into an effective treatment for EB.

The delegation then proceeded to make a short presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for their very enlightening presentation and for sharing their personal harrowing experiences with the Committee. It was agreed that the Committee would publish the minutes of the meeting, which, together with DEBRAs written submission, would be forwarded for the information and attention of the Minister for Health and Children. It was also agreed to forward a copy of the delegations submission to Noel Treacy T.D., Minister for State at the Department of Education and Science.

6.Any Other Business

It was agreed that the Committee would review its work programme for the coming year at the next meeting.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.55 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

3 February 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

3 February 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Brendan Kenneally and Dan Neville.

Senators Camillus Glynn, Mary Jackman, Pat Moylan and Kathleen O'Meara.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 January 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence -

-a letter from the International Adoption Association. This group had been invited to address todays meeting of the Committee but was unable to accept the invitation at this time. It was agreed that the Committee would incorporate a presentation from this group into the meeting schedule over the coming months.

-an invitation to a tobacco litigation conference to be held in the United States at the end of April. It was agreed to send a delegation to the conference, as the subject matter was particularly relevant to the work of the Committee. Overall costing to be ascertained.

5.In private session

6.In private session

7.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 9.50 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

17 February 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

17 February 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Brendan Kenneally, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Alan Shatter and G.V. Wright

Senators Camillus Glynn, and Mary Jackman.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence

-a letter from BUPA Ireland requesting a meeting with the Committee to discuss the White Paper on Private Health Insurance. It was agreed to incorporate a formal meeting with BUPA into the Committees meeting schedule over the coming months. It was also agreed that the Committee would invite the VHI to address the Committee and seek a written submission from them in advance. It was further agreed that the Committee would hear submissions from the Consumer Association and the Department of Health and Children on the White Paper.

-a letter from the Irish Parliamentary Association regarding the establishment of formal links between the Isle of Man Parliament and the Oireachtas, through committees. It was agreed that as this was an issue which affects all committees, it would be referred to the Working Group of Committee Chairmen for discussion.

The Chairman also noted receipt of correspondence from DEBRA Ireland, The Fluoride Free Water Group and Mr. Con Doherty.

5.In private session

6.In private session

7.Presentation by the Blood Products Liaison Group of the Southern Health Board

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a delegation from the Blood Products Liaison Group of the General Hospitals Committee of the Southern Health Board.

-Chairman of the SHB, Councillor Michael Cahill

-Members of the Blood Products Liaison Group

Dr. Catherine Molloy (Chairman)

Councillor Jackie Healy Rae TD

Councillor Vivian O'Callaghan

Councillor Paul O'Donoghue

Mr George Mullan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, CUH

-Consultant Medical Staff

Dr. Stephen Cusack, Consultant Specialist in Accident and Emergency, CUH

Professor Fergus Shanahan, Professor of Medicine, CUH/UCC

Professor George Shorten, Professor of Anaesthesia, CUH

Professor Gerry O'Sullivan, Associate Professor of Surgery, Mercy Hospital

-Chairman of ICGP (Cork City Branch), Dr. Edward O Sullivan

The delegation had been invited to address the Committee regarding the decision of the Blood Transfusion Service Board to terminate the testing of blood products in the Munster area and move to a single site testing centre in Dublin.

The delegation then proceeded to make a presentation to the committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for addressing the Committee and for answering members questions. It was agreed to invite the BTSB to a future meeting of the Committee so that they can respond to the concerns expressed by the delegation.

8.Any Other Business

Deputy McManus raised the issue of nursing shortages and a recently published report showing that the shortage is getting worse. It was agreed that a copy of the report on nursing shortages would be obtained and circulated to members, and that the Department of Health would be invited to address the Committee on the subject at a future meeting.

9.Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on 22 February 2000 in joint session with the Committee on Enterprise and Small Business to discuss recent changes in prescription requirements for some herbal products such as St. Johns Wort.

The meeting adjourned at 10.50 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

14 March 2000

JOINT SESSION

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENTERPRISE AND SMALL BUSINESS AND JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2000

1.The joint session of the Enterprise and Small Business and Health and Children Joint Committees was held at 3.30 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Ivor Callely and Batt O'Keeffe (Joint Chairmen).

Deputies Sean Ardagh, John Dennehy, Brendan Daly, Michael D'Arcy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Conor Lenihan, John McGuinness, Noel O'Flynn, Nora Owen, John Perry, Alan Shatter and David Stanton

Senators Peter Callanan*, Paul Coughlan, Jim Gibbons, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry, Mary Jackman, Mick Lanigan** and P.Moylan.

3.Presentations on the Status of Natural Health Products (including St. John's Wort)

The Co-Chairman, Deputy Ivor Callely, on behalf of the two Joint Committees, welcomed to the meeting the following delegations who had been invited to address the two Committees on the status of natural health products(including St. John's Wort)-

The Health Products Alliance

-Nigel Griffith, Declan Campion, Joanna Griffith and Helen McCormack.

The Department of Health and Children

-Mr. Noel Usher, Principal Officer, Mr. Tom McGuinn, Assistant Principal, and Moira Griffin, Assistant Principal

The Irish Medicines Board

-Dr. Frank Hallinan, CEO, Mr. Patrick O'Mahony, Chairman, Dr. Mary Teeling, Medical Director, Dr. Mike Morris, Pharmaceutical Director, and Dr. Elaine Breslin, Senior Medical Assessor,

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

-Mr. Brian Whitney, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Danny Kelly, Assistant Principal,

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the presenters for their very interesting and informative presentations and for answering the Committees questions.

The meeting concluded at 5.16 p.m.

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

14 March 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.30 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Deirdre Clune, Paul Connaughton, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Alan Shatter and G.V. Wright

Senators Dermot Fitzpatrick, Camillus Glynn and Pat Moylan

Apologies were received from Deputies Beverley Cooper-Flynn, Brendan Kenneally and G.V. Wright and Senators Mary Jackman and Kathleen O'Meara.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence

-a letter from Senator Camillus Glynn requesting that the Committee agree to a presentation from the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Difficulties. It was agreed that the Committee would meet with this group as soon as the Committees meeting schedule allowed.

-a letter from the Government Chief Whip regarding the timing of foreign travel by Committees. The Chairman informed the meeting that the issues raised in the letter would be discussed with the Chief Whip by the Working Group of Committee Chairmen and he would advise the Committee of the outcome of these discussions.

The Chairman alsonoted the receipt of correspondence from P.J. Carroll&Company, Mr. Kenneth Kilduff, Dr. Joe Hendron, The Health Research Board and Minister of State Noel Treacys office. Also noted were several publications recently received

-‘Making Knowledge Work’, published by the Health Research Board

-‘Handbook for Legislators on HIV/AIDS, Law and Human Rights’, published by UNAIDS and the Inter-Parliamentary Union

-Report of the 23rd Europe Blanche Health Conference.

copies of which were available on request from the Committee Secretariat.

The Committee briefly discussed the letter received from P.J. Carroll & Company Ltd., which was critical of the Committees report on smoking and health. The Chairman then informed the meeting that he had been advised by the Government Chief Whip that the Committee would be granted addition powers of compellability to further consider the issue of smoking and health. It was agreed that the Committee should meet in private as soon as possible to fully consider how it should proceed.

5.In private session

6.In private session

7.In private session

8.Presentation by the Blood Transfusion Service Board

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a delegation from the Blood Transfusion Service Board -

Dr. Pat Barker - Chairman

Mr. Martin Hynes - Chief Executive

Dr. William Murphy - National Medical Director

The delegation had been invited to address the Committee regarding the decision of the BTSB to terminate the testing of blood products in the Munster area and move to a single site testing centre in Dublin. The delegation then proceeded to make a presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for addressing the Committee and for answering members questions.

9.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 5.05 p.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

30 March 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

30 March 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Paul Connaughton, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Brendan Kenneally, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Alan Shatter and G.V. Wright

Senators Mary Jackman, Pat Moylan and Kathleen O'Meara

Apologies were received from Deputy Beverley Cooper-Flynn.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising

Following the evidence heard during the last two meetings from the Blood Transfusion Board and the General Hospitals Committee of the Southern Health Board regarding the decision of the BTSB to terminate the testing of blood products in the Munster area, it was agreed the Chairman and the Clerk would draft a report on the matter for consideration by the Committee.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence

-an invitation forwarded by Minister Mary Hannafin to a two-day meeting of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer(APPGBC) in London on 10-11 May. Travel and accommodation costs would be met by the APPGBC.

It was agreed that Senator Jackman and Deputy Keaveney would attend the meeting.

-a letter from the HOPE Project who wish to address the Committee on the subject of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. It was agreed that the Committee would meet with this group as soon as the Committees meeting schedule allowed.

-a request from the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee of the Assembly of the Council of Europe to meet with the Committee when they visit Ireland during May. The Committee agreed in principle to a meeting on Tuesday 16 May.

-a written submission from the VHI on the White Paper on Private Health Insurance. It was agreed to invite the VHI, BUPA and possibly the Consumers Association to address the Committee on the White Paper at future meeting.

5.Smoking and Health: Use of Compellability Powers

It was agreed to defer discussion on this item until the next meeting.

6.Presentation by the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Employers Agency on Nursing Shortages

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a joint delegation from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Employers Agency. Representing the Department was Secretary General, Mr. Michael Kelly and Mr. Bernard Carey and Ms. Maureen Flynn from the Departments Nursing Policy Division. Appearing on behalf of the HSEA were the Chief Executive, Mr. Gerard Barry, Mr. John Cooney, Chairman of the HSEA and also Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health Board and Mr. Frank McDonald, Project Manager.

The Department and the HSEA had been invited to address the Committee on the ongoing issue of nursing shortages in the health service. A report published by the HSEA in January indicated that there were almost 1200 nursing vacancies at the end of September 1999, and that most of these vacancies were in the greater Dublin area.

Mr. Kelly then proceeded to make a presentation on behalf of the Department and the HSEA, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Kelly and the other members of the delegation for addressing the Committee and for answering Members questions.

7.Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet again on 5 April 2000 in private session to discuss the use of compellability powers in the further consideration of the issue of smoking and health.

There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 11.25 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

5 April 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

5 April 2000

The meeting was held in private session.

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

20 April 2000

The meeting was held n private session

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

11 May 2000

1.The Joint Committee metin public session at 9.30a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Paul Connaughton, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville and G.V. Wright

Senators Camillus Glynn and Pat Moylan.

Apologies were received from Deputies Cecilia Keaveney and Brendan Kenneally and from Senator Mary Jackman.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 April 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters Arising

First matter arising discussed in private session

Deputy McManus raised the issue of breastfeeding. The Committee had agreed at its meeting on December 15 1999 that the Department of Health and Children should be requested to address the Committee on this subject. Deputy McManus requested that this meeting be arranged as soon as possible and the Committee agreed to this request.

Deputy Gormley raised the issue of water fluoridation and his work as rapporteur for the Committee on this issue. He requested that an international expert on fluoridation who will be visiting Ireland in June address the Committee. It was agreed that Deputy Gormley would provide more information on the expert concerned and a date for the presentation could be agreed at a later meeting.

4.Correspondence

Item 1 discussed in private session

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence which had been circulated with the agenda for the meeting:

-a letter from Deputy Alan Shatter requesting that a date be set for the Select Committee to begin consideration of the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999. It was agreed that as the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 1999 had now been published, that the Clerk should discuss with Deputy Shatter whether it was necessary for the Select Committee to consider the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999.

-a letter from a Mr. Brendan O'Connor, owner of a cigarette vending machine business., who raised some issues about the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999 and forthcoming Government legislation. It was agreed the Department of Health and Children be requested to prepare a written briefing for the Committee on the issues raised by Mr. O'Connor.

-a letter from the Post Polio Support Group, requesting the Committees assistance in obtaining a response from the Health Boards to issues raised by them. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the CEOs of the Health Boards concerned to draw attention to the matter.

The Committee also noted receipt of a submission from Mr. Sean Walshe on the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999.

5.Presentation by the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a delegation from the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities - Ms. Anne Hughes, Director, Mr. Alan Sayles, Educational Consultant and Mr. Paddy Fagan from the Mullingar branch of ACLD

The ACLD had requested to address the Committee regarding the health implications of dyslexia and to seek the Committees support in dealing with the problem through the educational system. The delegation then proceeded to make a short presentation to the Committee, which was followed by a question and answer session.

The Chairman thanked the Committee for a very interesting and informative presentation and for answering the Committees questions.

It was agreed that the Committee would seek a written response to the issues raised by the Delegation in their presentation from the Department of Health and Children.

5.In private session

6.Any Other Business

Deputy McManus referred to a letter from the Chairman published in the Irish Times on Saturday 6 May, which criticised the Labour Party health policy. The letter gave the impression that the Chairman was writing as Chairman of the Committee or on behalf of the Committee.

The Chairman accepted the criticism and added the letter had been written in his role as a Fianna Fail back-bencher and did not reflect the views of the Committee and was never intended to reflect the Committees views.

There being no other business, the committee adjourned at 10.50a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

18 May 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

18 May 2000

The meeting was held in private session.

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

25 May 2000

1.The Joint Committee metin public session at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Paul Connaughton, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Brendan Kenneally, Dan Neville, Alan Shatter, and G.V. Wright.

Senators Dermot Fitzpatrick, Camillus Glynn and Pat Moylan.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liz McManus and Senator Mary Jackman.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 May 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence:

-letters received from Dr. Kevin Connolly, a consultant paediatrician at Portiuncula Hospital, and from Ms. Maire O'Regan, the mother of an autistic child, both requesting to address the Committee on the matter of vaccination and autism. The Committee agreed to invite written submissions only at this stage.

-a letter from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, requesting to address the Committee on the White Paper on Private Health Insurance. The Committee agreed to invite a written submission from the Association.

-a letter from DEBRA Ireland seeking the Committees support for medical research to be an allowable category for National Lottery Funding. It was agreed to forward this letter to the Minister together with a copy of the presentation made recently by DEBRA to the Committee.

-a letter from the Attention Deficit Disorder Mid West Support Group expressing concern that the national prevalence study of ADD in Ireland, as recommended in the Committees report on ADD, is to be carried out by the Director of Public Health in the Mid-Western Health Board, and not by independent professionals with expertise in ADD. It was agreed to forward this letter to the Department to seek their comments on the concerns of the Support Group.

-an invitation to the Partnership for Health Conference which takes place in Belfast on 15/16 June. It was agreed that the convenors would contact the Clerk if members were interested in attending this conference.

The Chairman also noted the receipt of correspondence from the Irish Cigarette Machine Operators Association and of two documents, “A Better Future for Children”, published by the Combat Poverty Agency and “Standards of Care for People with Disabling Neurological Conditions”, published by the Irish Neurological Alliance, both of which were available from the Committee Secretariat.

Final item of correspondence discussed in private session.

5.Presentation by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service

The Chairman welcomed to meeting Mr. Martin Hynes, Chief Executive of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. Following the publication of the Committees report on the IBTS proposal for single site testing of blood products, the IBTS expressed concerns about a number of aspects of the report. Mr. Hynes was invited to attend the meeting to discuss these concerns.

Mr. Hynes then proceeded to make a short presentation which was followed by a question and answer session.

6.Rapporteur Assignment

The Chairman referred to a letter received from Deputy Liz McManus requesting that the deadline for completion of her rapporteur assignment be extended until 30 July 2000. The Committee agreed to this request.

7.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.10 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

8 June 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

8 June 2000

1.The Joint Committee metin public session at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Alan Shatter and G.V. Wright.

Senators Camillus Glynn, Mary Jackman and Pat Moylan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 May 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising

The Chairman advised the meeting that formal sanction had been received from the Department of Finance for the engagement of senior counsel to assist the Committee in its work on the smoking and health issue and that Conor Maguire S.C. has been engaged with effect from 29 May. Mr. Maguire had been requested to report back to the Committee within 2 weeks.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to correspondence from Deputy Paul Connaughton and Deputy Dan Neville regarding individuals or groups addressing the Committee on the matter of vaccination of children and possible links to autism. Following discussion it was agreed that the Committee in the autumn/winter sitting would consider the issue of vaccination and public concerns about possible the possible risks and side effects. As a first step, it was agreed that an advertisement inviting written submissions would be placed in the national press. An advertisement would be drafted for consideration by the Committee at its next meeting.

The Chairman also noted the receipt of a number of items:

-a submission from the Acorn Group on the Mental Health Bill, 1999.

-an invitation to attend the 3rd European Health Forum which takes place in Austria at the end of September.

-two documents, “A better future for Children”, published by the Combat Poverty Agency and the Report of the Tobacco Free Policy Review Group, both available on request from the Committee Secretariat.

5.Presentation by the Department of Health and Children

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a delegation from the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children:

- Mr. Shay McGovern

- Ms. Sandra Barnes

- Ms. Ursula O'Dwyer (Nutritionistand advisor to the Health Promotion Unit)

The Department had been invited to the meeting to discuss the reasons for the low incidence of breastfeeding in Ireland in comparison with other European countries, and the steps which are being taken by the Department to promote breastfeeding in view of the evidence of the health benefits for both mothers and children.

Mr. McGovern then proceeded to make a short presentation which was followed by a question and answer session.

6.Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999

The Committee discussed the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999, which had been referred to the Select Committee, and the apparent delay in the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 2000 coming before the Dáil. It was agreed if this latter bill would not be referred to the Select Committee before the recess, then arrangements could be made between the Clerk and both convenors for the Select Committee to consider the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Bill 1999.

7.In private session

8.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.10 a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

22 June 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

22 June 2000

The meeting was held in private session.

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

20 July 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 10.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Paul Bradford, John Dennehy, John Ellis*, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Brendan Kenneally, Liz McManus, Gay Mitchell, Dan Neville and Michael Ring.

Senators Willie Farrell**, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Rory Kiely*** and Mick Lanigan****.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael Ahern and Beverley Cooper-Flynn, and from Senators Camillus Glynn and Mary Jackman.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising

(i)The Chairman welcomed to the Committee Deputy Gay Mitchell and Deputy Michael Ring who had replaced Deputies Alan Shatter and Deirdre Clune respectively. The Chairman expressed his appreciation to Deputy Shatter and Deputy Clune for their contribution to the work of the Committee over the past two and a half years.

(ii)The Chairman advised the Committee that sanction has been received for the expenditure involved in placing an advert inviting submissions on child vaccination and that the advert would appear in the papers next week.

(iii)In private session

(iv)In private session

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence were circulated with the agenda for the meeting:

-a letter from Deputy John Gormley requesting an extension until the end of September for the completion of his rapporteur assignment on water fluoridation. The Committee agreed to the request.

-a letter from the Dublin Hope Project, requesting a meeting with the Committee to discuss post MMR vaccination regression. It was agreed to bring the Committees advertisement inviting submissions to the attention of this group.

-a letter from Deputy Alan Shatter proposing that a delegation from the Committee visit Northern Ireland to meet with Bairbre de Brun, the N.Ireland Minister for Health and Social Services to discuss co-operation between North and South in the health area. The Committee agreed to the proposal and that the Clerk should make the necessary inquiries and establish the cost of such a visit and report back to the Committee in the autumn.

-a reply from the Department of Health and Children to concerns raised by the ADD Mid-Western Support Group about some aspects of the National Prevalence study of ADD which is to be carried out. It was agreed to forward this letter to the ADD Support Group.

The Chairman also noted the receipt of correspondence from BUPA Ireland, the Combat Poverty Agency and a submission on the Mental Health Bill from the Law Society of Ireland. A report by the Law Society entitled “Mental Health: The Case for Reform“ is available on request from the Committee Secretariat.

5.Presentations on Water Fluoridation

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting the following individuals who had been invited to address the meeting on the issue of water fluoridation.

-Mr George Gavin, Chief Dental Officer at the Department of Health and Children.

-Professor Denis O'Mullane, Professor of Preventative and Paediatric Dentistry at the Cork Dental School.

-Robert Pocock, member of VOICE of Concern for the Irish Environment

-Dr. Liz Cullen, Joint Chair of Irish Doctors Environmental Association,

-George Glasser, investigative writer on environmental and health issues regarding fluoridation.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the presenters for their very interesting and informative presentations and for answering the Committees questions.

6.Any Other Business

Deputy Paul Bradford referred to a conference in Slovenia in September entitled “Suicide Risk and Protective Factors in the New Millennium”, details of which had been circulated to the Committee. It was agreed that the subject matter of the Conference was relevant to the work of the Committee. The Committee then considered the estimate prepared by the Committee Secretariat regarding attendance at this conference. It was agreed that three members of the Committee should attend (the Chairman, 1 government member and 1 opposition member). It was also agreed that the clerk to the Committee should accompany the delegation. The Committee further agreed that the members should travel business class, due to the flexibility that business class travel allows.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 1.10 p.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

12 October 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

12 October 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Paul Connaughton, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Dennehy, John Gormley, Cecilia Keaveney, Liz McManus, Gay Mitchell, Dan Neville and Michael Ring.

Senators Camillus Glynn and Pat Moylan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising

The first matter arising was discussed in private session.

Following the placing of an advert in the national press at the end of July inviting written submissions on the subject of child vaccination, 80 submissions had been received from various sources, including the Department of Health, health boards and parents. It was agreed to defer any discussion on this issue until the submissions had been circulated and members had an opportunity to review them.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman referred to a number of items of correspondence were circulated with the agenda for the meeting:

-letters from both BUPA Ireland and VHI Healthcare regarding the White Paper on Private Health Insurance and the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill. It was agreed to invite both groups to address the next meeting of the Committee.

-a letter from the Department of Health in response to a number of issues raised by DEBRA Ireland in their submission to the Committee. It was agreed to forward the letter to DEBRA Ireland.

-a letter from Deputy Gormley regarding suggestions made by the La Leche League to reconvene National Committee to Promote Breastfeeding. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Minister to seek his views on this issue.

-the Chairman referred to a number of requests from groups who wished to meet with Committee

·the Irish Cigarette Vending Machine Operators association regarding pending legislation

·Mr. Stephen Halliday re Osteopathic treatment and care for children

·Dr. Deirdre Killelea of the Panda Foundation,

·the Medical Defence Union.

It was agreed to defer a decision on inviting any further groups to address the Committee, pending a review of the work programme. This would be included on the agenda for the next meeting.

The Chairman referred to invitations to a number of conferences which had been received

-an international conference of medical parliamentarians taking place in Thailand in November, forwarded by the Ceann Comhairle

-the 9th Annual Public Health Forum in Bournmouth in March next year

-a conference on HIV treatment in Argentina next July.

It was agreed that the Committee should send a delegation to the International Conference of Medical Parliamentarians. Overall costing to be determined.

Finally, the Chairman noted receipt of correspondence from Sr. Stella Ruegg, Mr Donal O'Riordain and Dr Mark Rowe. Also noted were the receipt of a number of publications, the VHI Healthcare Newsletter and Self Esteem Enhancement in Education, published by Pathways through Education, both available from the Committee Secretariat.

5.Presentations on Water Fluoridation

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Dr. Hardy Limeback, Head of Preventative Dentistry at the University of Toronto and a past president of the Canadian Association for Dental Research. Dr. Limeback had travelled to Ireland at the Ministers request to speak at the forum on Water Fluoridation and had kindly agreed to change his travel arrangements so that he could address the Committee.

Dr. Limeback's presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the Dr. Limeback for a very interesting and informative presentation and for answering the Committees questions.

6.In private session

7.In private session

8.In private session

9.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 10.30a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

26 October 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

26 October 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Paul Connaughton, John Dennehy, Cecilia Keaveney, Gay Mitchell, Dan Neville and G.V. Wright.

Senator Mary Jackman.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liz McManus

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

Matters arising

The first matter arising was discussed in private session.

The meeting was informed that the International Conference of Medical Parliamentarians due to be held in Thailand in mid-November and which the Committee had agreed to attend, had been postponed until next year.

4.Correspondence

The Chairman noted receipt of a number of items of correspondence which were circulated with the agenda for the meeting:

-a press release from Fluoride Free Water

-a response of the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Committees Report on Attention Deficit Disorder

-a letter from Mr. Gerald Curran on the abortion issue

-a letter from Ms. Kathy Sinnott requesting a date for her presentation to the Committee on Autism

-the Annual Report of the National Suicide Review Group

-an invitation to attend a North-South Health Services Study Day, organised by the Centre for Cross Border Studies

-and finally, a notification of a Conference: “Networks - A Strategic Approach to Educational Disadvantage”; hosted by the Combat Poverty Agency.

It was agreed that Deputy Cecilia Keaveney would attend the North-South Health Services Study Day in place of the Chairman.

5.Presentations on Private Health Insurance

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting delegations from VHI Healthcare and BUPA Ireland. VHI Healthcare were represented by Mr. Oliver Tattan, Acting Chief Executive, Mr. John Looney, Director of Finance and Ms. Tara Buckley, Head of Public Relations. Representing BUPA Ireland were Mr. Martin O'Rourke, Managing Director, Ms. Margaret Downes, Chairperson and Mr. Sean Murray, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Both groups had been invited to address the Committee regarding the White Paper on Private Health Insurance and the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session. The Chairman then thanked both delegations for interesting and informative presentations and for answering the Committees questions.

6.In private session

7.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 10.35a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

9 November 2000

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

9 November 2000

The meeting was held in private session.

Joint Committee on Health and Children

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

23 November 2000

1.The Joint Committee met at 9.30 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Batt O'Keeffe (in the chair), Michael Ahern, Paul Bradford, Beverley Cooper-Flynn, John Gormley, Dan Neville, Michael Ring and David Stanton*.

Senators John Creegan**, Mary Jackman, Camillus Glynn and Pat Moylan.

Apologies were received from Deputies Cecilia Keaveney, Liz McManus and Gay Mitchell.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2000 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

4.Correspondence

It was agreed to defer discussion on correspondence received until the next meeting.

5.Smoking and Health - Consideration of Draft Resolution regarding Compellability Powers

The Chairman advised the meeting that a motion conferring the power to send for persons, papers and records had been placed on the Dáil Order paper this week. However, because of reservations about the wording of the motion expressed by the Office, the moving of the motion had been deferred for a short time pending discussions between the Whips Office and the Committee Secretariat.

It was therefore agreed to defer discussion on the draft resolution seeking the consent of the Compellability Committee to issue directions for the discovery of documents until the motion conferring additional powers on the Committee had been passed by both the Dáil and Seanad.

6.Vaccination of Children: Presentations by Parents and Support Groups

The Chairman welcomed to the meeting a number of parents and support groups who had been invited to address the Committee on the issue of child vaccination.

Representing a group of parents who are also nurses

-Frances Howlin and Marguerite Ronayne.

Representing The Hope Project

-Caroline McCabe and Miriam Twomey.

Representing Allergy Induced Autism

-Cecilia Young and Rosemary Kessick.

Representing the Concerned Parents Group

-Shane Russell and Lorna McCarthy.

Representing the Informed Immunisation Network

-Colin McCaffrey and Stephen Halliday.

The presentations were followed by a question and answer session. The Chairman thanked the presenters for their very interesting and informative presentations and for answering the Committees questions.

7.Any Other Business

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.45a.m.

Batt O'Keeffe T.D.

Chairman

7 December 2000

APPENDIX 6

Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Work Programme 2001

Introduction

In accordance with Standing Order 79A(4) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business of Dáil Éireann and Standing Order 69(4) of the Standing Orders relative to Public Business of Seanad Éireann the following details the Work Programme of the Oireachtas Committees on Health and Children agreed by the Joint Committee at its meeting on 7 December 2000.

In view of the specific function of the Select Committee on Health and Children under the Orders of Reference and the resources and facilities available to the Joint Committee it is anticipated that the Joint Committee will be in a position to hold some 20 meetings in the course of 2001. It is hoped that the Joint Committee can incorporate some of the matters for consideration in with the consideration of Department of Health and Children's Strategy Statement.

Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee on Health and Children.

Paragraph (2) (a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann of 13 November, 1997 and paragraph (1) (a) of the Order of Seanad Éireann of 19 November, 1997, empowers the Joint Committee to consider—

“(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Health and Children as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 2(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.“.

Accordingly, the items listed in this Work Programme will be considered by the Joint Committee within the parameters defined by the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee,as amended from time to time.

Order of Consideration of items and Amendment of Work Programme of Joint Committeeon Health and Children.

The items listed for consideration in this Work Programme are not in any order of priority. The Joint Committee is of the opinion that to accord priority and agree a timetable for consideration of the various items would impose a rigid structure that would not enable the Joint Committee to respond to events that may or may not occur in the course of the year. As the Committee could not be required to anticipate all developments in the area of responsibility of the Department, it has agreed that, in response to a particular event, it shall, if it deems it necessary to do so, amend this Work Programme to include further items or delete or revise existing items for consideration. Any such amendment of this Work Programme shall be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as may be following such amendment.

A. Joint Committee on Health and Children

Items for Consideration:

General

♦Agenda 2000, For a Stronger and Wider Union; the Policies of the Union and the Challenge of Enlargement (European Commission, 1997).

♦The Strategy Statement of the Department of the Health and Children pursuant to the Public Service Management Act, 1997.

(a)Policy with Minister / Minister of State

(b)Administration with Secretary General / Designated Officer

-Policies of Bodies under the aegis of the Department.

Food Safety

♦Government Policy on Food Safety in the light of recent food scares(CJD and e-Coli)

-May wish to consider the holding of a Joint meeting with the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this matter.

-Plans to establish a National Food Safety and Quality Authority.

Safety of Blood Products

♦Possibility of transmission of a new variant CJD from Blood products, Blood transfusion.

♦progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the Finlay Report.

Hospital Services

♦Hospital Waiting lists in particular for Cardiac Surgery and Hip Replacements.

♦Nursing Issues.

♦Cystic Fibrosis - proposals to establish a Heart / Lung Transplant facility in this country.

General Medical Service

♦The fragmentation of general practice and the isolation of general practitioners.

Skills shortages in the Health Services

Treatment of Infectious Diseases

♦Hepatitis C.

♦Aids /HIV and other S.T.D.s.

♦Meningitis - increase in incidence(if any) and recent breakthrough in the treatment of one form of the disease.

Treatment of Addictions

♦Alcohol,drug and substance addiction.

Health Services for the Elderly.

♦Update on demographic trends.

♦Home Help Service and update on progress of the Interdepartmental Working Group on review of the Carers Allowance - Possibility of a Joint meeting with the Committee on Family, Community and Social Affairs on this matter.

Health Services for People with Disabilities.

♦Provision of residential day and respite services for those with a mental or physical disability.

♦Implementation of the recommendations of the Department's assessment of need, 1997 to 2001 of service to persons with a mental handicap and intellectual disability.

Health issues for Men and Women

♦Update on the Plan for Women's Health announced in April 1997.

-Possible extension of the availability of Cervical smear testing free of charge.

-Waiting period for the reporting of cervical smear results.

-Breast Cancer Screening Programme - progress to date on the implementation of the programme.

♦Report of the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme Review Group published in April 1997- update on progress.

♦Post Natal Depression - possibility of provision of hospital facilities in maternity hospitals where hospitalisation is required rather than admission to psychiatric hospitals.

♦Prostate Cancer

Cancer

♦Establishment of a National Cancer Screening Register.

♦Possible health dangers posed by use of mobile phones and the location of masts.

♦Preventative Health Measures

Health Promotion

♦Further consideration of issues relating to health and smoking.

Mental Health

♦Mental Health and the possible need for changes in this area as a result of recent court cases.

♦Evaluation of the Report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals

♦Suicide

Children

♦Health services for children

♦Adoption by Irish residents of children in China

-Establishment of a Voluntary Contact Register for adult adoptees to contact both natural parents.

♦Abuse of Children - 1987 guidelines on procedures for the identification, investigation and management of child abuse.

♦Residential Child Care in Ireland - implementation of the provisions in Child Care Act 1991.

♦Implementation of those provisions in Part VII of the Child Care Act 1991 relating to the regulations governing safety and health standards in pre school services.

♦Review of the provisions in Part II of the Child Care Act 1991 in relation to Family Support Services.

♦Funding for the Diagnosis and the support services available to sufferers of Attention Deficit Disorder.

♦Implementation of the UN Charter on the Rights of the Child

♦Current vaccination policy and practices, poor take-up rates and public concerns about the risks and adverse effects

♦Underage drinking.

Water Fluoridation

♦Benefits of the water fluoridation process and the public concerns about possible risks and side effects.

B.Such other matters as may be referred by both Houses.

C.Such other matters under the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee as it may decide.

D.Subject to Standing Order 78 A of the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann relative to Public Business and Standing Order 62A of the Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann relative to Public Business, the Committee may decide to undertake Travel as necessary in the context of a matter under consideration.

E. Dáil Select Committee on Health and Children

Consideration of:-

-Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann

-Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Health and Children.

* Deputy Bradford travelled directly to the Conference and did not stay with the delegation in New York.

¹ Senator Kathleen O’Meara was appointed in place of Senator Pat Gallagher on 4 November 1999

² Deputy Liz McManus was appointed in place of Deputy Róisín Shortall on 4 November 1999

³ Deputy Gay Mitchell was appointed in place of Deputy Alan Shatter on 29 June 2000

⁴ Deputy Michael Ring was appointed in place of Deputy Deirdre Clune on 29 June 2000

* In substitution for Deputy Paul Bradford.

** In substitution for Senator Fitzpatrick for part of meeting.

*In substitution for Senators Willie Farrell and Margaret Cox respectively.

* In substitution for Deputy Beverley Cooper-Flynn.

** In substitution for Senator Pat Moylan.

*** In substitution for Senator Fitzpatrick for part of meeting.

**** In substitution for Senator Camillus Glynn.

* In substitution for Deputy Bradford for part of meeting.

**In substitution for Senator Fitzpatrick.