Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2007 > Committee on Health and Children > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, 2006

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

An Comhchoiste um Shláinte agus Leanaí

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2006

agus

CLÁR OIBRE 2007

Eanáir 2007

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on Health and Children

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

and

WORK PROGRAMME 2007

January 2007

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 84 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 69 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-

• undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally
• prepare an annual work programme
• lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses
• make an annual report to both Houses .

At its meeting on 25^th January 2007, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this annual report.

2. Functions and Powers

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 16 October 2002 to consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services and the terms of any international agreement involving a charge on public funds which come within the aegis of the Department of Health and Children.

The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 17 October 2002, to form the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider –

• public affairs administered by the Department of Health and Children;
• matters of policy for which the Minister for Health and Children is responsible;
• legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department;
• scrutiny of EU legislative proposals;
• certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department of Health & Children.

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.

3.Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy John Moloney was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 17^th November 2004. Deputy Jimmy Devins was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health & Children on the same day. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Charlie O'Connor and Fergal Browne 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.Establishment of Sub-Committees.

Standing Order 81(3) (Dáil) and Standing Order 65(3) (Seanad) confer on Committees the power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-Committees any matter covered by its orders of reference and to delegate any of its powers to such sub-Committees, including power to report directly to the Dáil and Seanad.

The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on 27^th October 2005, to create a sub-Committee to consider The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals. It was also agreed that the sub-Committee would consist of 6 Members (3 from the Dáil and 3 from the Seanad). The Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee are set out at Appendix 5. The Members of the sub-Committee are set out at Appendix 6. At its first meeting on the 9^th May 2006, the sub Committee elected Deputy Paudge Connolly as the Chairman.

5.Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and sub-Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee were broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE and TV3.

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committees is published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Official Reports may also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie

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 is set out at paragraph 9.

6. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 31 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 60 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 7.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 6 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 7 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 8.

The sub-Committee on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society met on 2 occasions during the year and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 2 hours. The date and subject matter of the meetings is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 9.

The sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals met on 7 occasions during the year and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 8 hours. The date and subject matter of the meetings is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 10.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee in public session are attached at Appendix 11.

Minutes of proceedings of the sub-Committee on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society in public session are attached at Appendix 12.

Minutes of proceedings of the sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals in public session are attached at Appendix 13.

7.Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

On the 31 occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Presentation by the Diabetes Federation of Ireland on the significant rise in Type 2 Diabetes.
• Presentation by the Task Force on Obesity on the significant rise in adult and child obesity.
• Discussion with the Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victim's Network on the Adverse Health Effects from Mobile Phone Masts.
• Discussion with One in Four on The Ferns Report.
• Discussion with Irish Cancer Society on the issue of Cervical Cancer Screening.
• Discussion with the Disease Surveillance Unit and Dr. Jim Kiely, Dept. Health and Children on the Avian Influenza H5N1.
• Quarterly discussions with Officials from the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive to update on MRSA issues.
• Discussions with Ms Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children on the Report of the Ombudsman for Children on complaints received about Child Protection in Ireland.
• Discussions with Mr. Brian Lenihan, Minister for Children, on the Ferns Report and on the Report of the Ombudsman for Children on Complaints received about Child Protection in Ireland.
• Discussions with Officials from Dept. of Finance on the current operation of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.
• Discussions with Mr. Tim Mc Donnell, Chairman, TB Advisory Group, regarding the increase in the incidence of Tuberculosis.
• Quarterly discussions with the Minister for Health and Children and Prof. Drumm, Health Service Executive, to update on Health issues.
• Discussions with a Consultant on Infectious Diseases, St. James's Hospital, on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's).
• Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals COM(2005)681 as regards the review of the medical device directives; COM(2005)567 on advanced medicinal products; and COM(2005)577 on medicinal products for paediatric use.
• Discussions with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association regarding public hospital services.
• Discussions with Consultant Rheumatologists on the Rheumatology Services in Ireland.
• Discussions with officials from the Department of Health and Children and HSE on the New Tertiary Hospital for Children.
• Discussions with officials from the Department of Health and Children and the HSE, regarding the out of hours GP Service for North Dublin.
• Discussions with the Irish Medical Council on issues of concern.
• Discussion with The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group.
• Discussions with Mr. Michael Scanlon, Secretary General, Department of Health & Children on the progress made in implementing the recommendations contained in the “Report on the Report on Certain Issues of Management and Administration in the Department of Health and Children associated with the Practice of Charges for Persons in Long-Stay Care in Health Board Institutions and Related Matters”.
• Draft Report on the Report of The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.
• Discussions with the National Heart Foundation, National Heart Alliance and Food Safety Board and the Food and Drinks Industry of Ireland on the marketing of food products to children.
• Update on MRSA issues with MRSA and Families.
• Discussions with the National Association for Deaf People on the Introduction of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening.
• Discussions with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland on research advances in the potential treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
• Discussions with the Chronic Pain Association on the needs of chronic pain sufferers.
• Discussions with National Spinal Injuries Centre on additional resources for the National Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital.
• Discussions with Breaking through Network on the issue of funds for resourcing a National Directory of Youth at Risk Service and the establishment of a Peer to Peer Support Programme.
• Discussion with Teamwork Management Services Ltd. on the Report entitled “Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards – An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East”.
• Discussions with the Irish Cancer Society on the issue of increasing the price of cigarettes in this year's budget.
• Discussion with the Health Service Executive regarding the suspension of new admissions to nursing homes.
• Discussions with Brainwave, Irish Epilepsy Association on the substitution of epilepsy branded drugs by generics.
• Discussion with Dail na Nóg on the issue of Alcohol and Drug Misuse and Facilities for Young People.
• Discussions with the author of the Leas Cross Report and Mr. Sean Power, Minister of State, Department of Health and Children, on the Leas Cross Report.
• Discussions with the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience on the deficiencies in the delivery of Neurological care in Ireland.
• Discussions with GROW on mental health issues in Ireland.
• Discussion with Officials from Dept. Health & Children regarding Legislation for a Specific Scheme of Statutory Regulation of Assisted Human Reproduction.
• Discussions with the Blood Borne Virus Forum on the Hepatitis C Epidemic.
• Draft Report on Water Fluoridation in Ireland.

A copy of the Joint Committee's work programme for 2007 is at Appendix 14.

7.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 6 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2005 [Seanad].
• Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006.
• Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006.
• 2006 Revised Estimate for Public Services – Vote 41 (Office of the Minister for Children.
• 2006 Revised Estimate for Public Services -Vote 39 (Health and Children) and Vote 40 (Health Service Executive).
• 2006 Supplementary Estimate-Vote 40 (Health Service Executive).

7.3 sub-Committee on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

On the 2 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee met in private session to discuss the draft report on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

7.4 sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

On the 7 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee discussed with various experts the (underlying) issues relating to the adverse side effects of pharmaceuticals.

8.Groups and Individuals attending before the Committee(s)

8.1 Joint Committee on Health and Children

In the year under report, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations, groups and individuals:

• Ms Mary Harney, T.D. ,Minister for Health and Children;
• Department of Health & Children officials;
• Mr. John Treacy, Irish Sports Council;
• Dr. Tony O' Sullivan, Chairperson, Diabetes Federation of Ireland ;
• Dr. Richard Firth, Chairperson, Diabetes Section of the Irish Endocrine Society;
• Ms. Maria Carr, Chairperson, Irish Diabetes Nurse Specialists Association ;
• Dr. Fidelma Dunne, Diabetes Section of the Irish Endocrine Society ;
• Ms. Sinead Powell, Diabetes Section of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute;
• Mr. Con Colbert, Chairman, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Ms. Helen McCrory, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Mr. Enda Dalton, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Ms. Holly Moore, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Mr. John Cummins, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Mr. John Ryan, IERVN (Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victims Network);
• Ms. Therese Gaynor, Clinical Director, One in Four, Ireland;
• Mr. Colm O'Gorman, Director, One in Four, Ireland;
• Ms. Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Advocacy Co-ordinator, One in Four, Ireland;
• Ms. Bernadette Morris, PA – Director, One in Four, Ireland;
• Mr. Gavin Maguire, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, HSE;
• Dr. Darina O'Flanagan, Director, National Disease Surveillance Unit;
• Dr Jim Kiely, Chief Medical Officer, Dept. of Health and Children;
• Dr John Kennedy, Medical Oncologist, St James's Hospital and Board Member, Irish Cancer Society;
• Mr John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society;
• Dr. Walter Prendeville, Consultant Gynaecologist;
• Dept. of Agriculture and Food officials;
• Dr. Kevin Kelleher, HSE;
• Ms. Collete Bonner, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dept. of Health and Children;
• Dr. Mary Hynes, Assistant National Director, National Hospitals Office, HSE ;
• Ms. Emily Logan, Ombudsman For Children;
• Mr. Brian Lenihan TD, Minister for Children;
• Office of the Minister for Children official;
• Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform official;
• Ms. Sylda Langford, Director General, Office of the Minister for Children;
• Dept. of Finance officials;
• Office of the Revenue Commissioners officials;
• Dr. Tim Mc Donnell, Consultant Respiratory Physician, St. Vincent's University Hospital;
• Dr. Joesph Keane, Consultant Respiratory Physician, St. James's Hospital;
• Dr. Barry O'Connell, Consultant Respiratory Physician, St. James's Hospital;
• Dr. Terry O' Connor, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Mercy Hospital, Cork;
• Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, HSE;
• Mr. John O Brien, Temporary National Director of National Hospitals Office, HSE;
• Mr. Aidan Browne, National Director of Primary, Community and Continuing Care Services, HSE;
• Mr. Liam Woods, National Director of Finance, HSE;
• Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Dept. of Health and Children;
• Mr. Dara Purcell, HSE;
• Mr. Alex Connelly, HSE;
• Dr. Susan Clarke, Consultant on Infectious Diseases, St. James's Hospital;
• Dr. Josh P. Keaveny, President IHCA, Consultant Anaesthetist, Beaumont Hospital;
• Dr. James Binchy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University College Hospital, Galway;
• Dr. Gerard Lane, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Letterkenny General Hospital;
• Dr. Gerard McCarthy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Cork University Hospital;
• Dr. Paul Browne, Consultant Haematologist, St. James's Hospital;
• Mr. Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Secretary General, IHCA;
• Dr Paul O'Connell, Rheumatology Department, Beaumont Hospital;
• Dr. Gaye Cunnane, Consultant in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, St. James's Hospital;
• Dr Robert Coughlan, Consultant Rheumatologist, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway;
• Dr Mick Molloy, Consultant Rheumatologist, Cork University Hospital;
• Ms. Mary Healy, Patient, Arthritis Ireland;
• Mr. John Church, Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Ireland;
• Ms. Laverne McGuinness, National Director, National Shared Services;
• Dr. Fenton Howell, Population Health Directorate, Health Service Executive;
• Dr. Philip Crowley, Deputy CMO, Dept. of Health and Children;
• Mr Tadhg O'Brien, Assistant National Director, Dublin/North-East, HSE;
• Mr Pat O'Dowd, Assistant National Director, HSE;
• Dr Sean McGuire, Advisor to CEO, HSE;
• Dr. John Hillery, President of Medical Council;
• Dr. Colm Quigley, Vice President, Medical Council;
• Professor Muiris Fitzgearald, Chairman of Education and Training Committee of Medical Council;
• John Lamont, Registrar, CEO of Medical Council, Medical Council;
• Dr. Lynda Sisson, Director of Competence Assurance, Medical Council;
• Ms. Margo Topham, Medical Council;
• Ms. Mary Vasseghi, Chairperson, The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group;
• Ms. Monica Martin, The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group;
• Ms. Jane Williams, The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group;
• Dr. N Mahon, Consultant Cardiologist, The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group;
• Mr. T. Giffney, Clinical Training Specialist in Resuscitation and Trauma, The Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group;
• Mr. David Kennedy, Chairman, National Heart Alliance;
• Ms. Maureen Mulvihill, Health Promotion Manager, Irish Heart Foundation;
• Ms. Margot Brennan, PRO, Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institution;
• Ms. Geraldine Quinn, Food Safety Promotion Board;
• Ms. Muireann Cullen, Food Safety Authority of Ireland;
• Ms. Janet Morrissey, Dietician, Irish Heart Foundation;
• Mr. Paul Kelly, Director, Food FDII;
• Mr. Ciaran Fitzgerald, Chairman, Meat Industry Ireland;
• Ms. Noeleen Friel, MRSA and Families;
• Mr. Tony Kavanagh, MRSA and Families;
• Dr. Ronan Fawsitt, MRSA and Families;
• Ms. Theresa Graham, MRSA and Families;
• Mr. Margaret Dawson, MRSA and Families;
• Mr. David Power, MRSA and Families;
• Mr. Bernard Daly, Chairman, National Association for the Deaf;
• Mr. Niall Keane, Chief Executive, National Association for the Deaf;
• Mr. Brendan Lennon, National Association for the Deaf;
• Ms. Frances Whealan, Chairperson, Irish Chronic Pain Association;
• Ms. Gina Plunkett, Vice Chairperson, Irish Chronic Pain Association;
• Mr. Michael Bohill, Irish Chronic Pain Association;
• Ms. Tony Chambers, Irish Chronic Pain Association;
• Mr. Eugene McGinn, Irish Chronic Pain Association;
• Mr. Joe Mooney, Director, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland;
• Mr. Karen Pickering, Information Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland;
• Ms. Kate Power, Respite Co-Ordinator, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland;
• Mr. Jimmy Mooney, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland;
• Dr Matthew JA Wood, Member of UK MDEX Consortium;
• Dr. Frank McManus, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, The National Spinal Injuries Centre;
• Dr. Ashley Poynton, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, The National Spinal Injuries Centre;
• Dr. Keith Synnott, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, The National Spinal Injuries Centre;
• Mr. Paul Flynn, Vice Chairman, Breaking Through;
• Mr. James O'Leary, Treasurer, Breaking Through;
• Mr. Karl McGealy, South West Representative, Breaking Through;
• Ms. Marie Halligan, National Development Officer, Breaking Through;
• Mr. John Saunders, Teamwork Management Services;
• Mr. Martin Dove, Teamwork Management Services;
• Mr. John McCormack, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society;
• Ms. Norma Cronin, Health Promotion Manager- Tobacco Control, Irish Cancer Society;
• Mr. Noel Mulvihill, Local Health Manager, Dublin North Central HSE;
• Ms. Cate Hartigan, Assistant National Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, HSE;
• Mr. Paschal Moynihan, Director of Older Peoples Services, HSE West;
• Ms. Mary Culliton, Head of Consumer Affairs, HSE;
• Mr. Mike Glynn, CEO, Brainwave;
• Ms. Ava Battles, Director of Services, Brainwave;
• Ms. Jessica Kelch, Dublin City, Dáil na nOg;
• Ms. Ashley Dennigan, Longford, Dáil na nOg;
• Mr. Daniel Flanagan, Clare, Dáil na nOg;
• Mr. Rudi Corcoran, Carlow, Dáil na nOg;
• Mr. James T Doyle, Fingal, Dáil na nOg;
• Mr. Aidan Carr, Louth, Dáil na nOg;
• Mr. Stephen Kirwan, Dáil na nOg;
• Dr. Orla Hardiman, Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience;
• Ms. Mags Rogers, Neurological Alliance of Ireland;
• Mr. Fearghal Grimes, Irish Society of Quality and Safety in Health Care;
• Mr. Jim McSweeney, Chairperson, GROW;
• Mr. Mike Watts, National Programme Co-ordinator, GROW;
• Ms. Michelle Kerrigan, Financial Controller, GROW;
• Ms. Ruth Barror, National Executive Officer, GROW;
• Ms. June Colgan, Community Response, Blood Borne Virus Forum;
• Ms. Olivia Carr, Canal Communities LDTF, Blood Borne Virus Forum;
• Ms. Jean Flanagan, Blood Borne Virus Forum;
• Ms. Naomi Glover, Blood Borne Virus Forum;
• Mr. Thomas Cumberton, Blood Borne Virus Forum;

8.2 Sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

In the year under report the sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals met with the following organisations and individuals:

• Mr. John McLaughlin, IPHA President, IPHA.
• Ms. Anne Nolan, Chief Executive, IPHA.
• Mr. John Stinson, Medical Director, IPHA.
• Ms. Leonie Clarke, IPHA Consultant, IPHA.
• Mr. Ronan Quirke, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
• Mr. Kate Mulvenna, Vice President, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
• Dr. Ambrose McLoughlan, Registrar, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
• Mr. Matthew Lynch, Assistant Registrar, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
• Ms. Nuria O'Mahony, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Dr. Michael Corry, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Mr. Basil Miller, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Ms. Mary Maddock, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Mr. Gregory White, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Mr. John McCarthy, MindFreedom Ireland.
• Ms. Liz Hoctor, Vice President, Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
• Mr. Darragh O'Loughlin, Treasurer, Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
• Mr. Seamus Feely, Secretary General, Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
• Ms. Pamela Logan, Professional & Business Manager, Irish Pharmaceutical Union.
• Dr. Joan Gilvarry, Director of Human Medicines, Irish Medicines Board.
• Dr. Brendan Buckley, University College Cork, Irish Medicines Board.
• Mr. Pat O'Mahony, Chief Executive, Irish Medicines Board
• Dr. Martin Henman, co-Ordinator of the Centre for the Practice of Pharmacy, University of Dublin, Trinity College.
• Dr. Orla O'Donovan, Dept. of Applied Social Studies, UCC and Health Action International.

9. 9.1 Joint Committee Reports.

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

• 2005 Annual Report and 2006 Work Programme
• The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society, (Seventy Report).
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 12. on COM (2005) 567; 577; 681

COM (2005) 567:

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on advanced therapy Medicinal Products and amending Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004.

COM (2005) 577:

Amended Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on medicinal products for paediatric use and amending Regulation (EEC) No 1768/92, Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) No 726/2004.

COM(2005) 681:

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC and Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and the Council as regards the review of the medical device directives.

• EU Scrutiny Report No. 13 on COM (2002) 699:

Amended proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products.



• EU Scrutiny Report No. 14 on COM (2003) 163: Amended proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use.
• EU Scrutiny Report No.15 on COM (2002) 735: Modified proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision and pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products.
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 16 on COM (2003) 161: Amended proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Directive 2001/83/EC as regards traditional herbal medicinal products.
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 17 on COM (2003) 441: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a European Centre [for Disease Prevention and Control.

9.2.Work in Progress

• Report of ‘The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction’.
• Report on Water Fluoridation in Ireland.
• Report on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

10. Travel.

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its work programme.

1. Purpose of travel: To attend a conference to examine the implementation of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being of the Health Department of the Scottish Executive in relation to suicide reduction.

Date and Destination: 7^th - 8^th February 2006. Edinburgh, Scotland.




Members travelling: Deputy Dan Neville and Senators Fergal Browne and Camillus Glynn.



2. Purpose of travel: To attend the Mental Health of Ireland's Annual Conference.

Date and Destination: 19^th – 21^st May 2006. Wexford, Ireland.




Members travelling: Deputy Paudge Connolly and Senator Camillus Glynn.



3. Purpose of travel: To attend the UN's High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York.

Date and Destination: 31^st May – 2^nd June 2006. New York, USA.




Members travelling: Deputies: John Gormley, Fiona O'Malley, Liz McManus, Beverly Copper Flynn and Senator Geraldine Feeney.



4. Purpose of travel: To Investigate the Universal Health Insurance Scheme Bill

Date and Destination: 1^st – 2^nd June 2006. Boston, USA




Members travelling: Deputy Liz McManus.



5. Purpose of travel: 11^th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour.

Date and Destination: 9^th – 12^th September 2006. Slovenia.




Members travelling: Deputies: John Moloney, Dan Neville and Paudge Connolly.



6. Purpose of travel: A fact finding trip to Westminster, London on the topic of the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

Date and Destination: 4 – 5^th December. House of Commons, Westminster.




Members travelling: Senators Mary Henry, Camillus Glynn and Fergal Browne.

11. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

John Moloney, T.D.

Chairman,

25^th January 2007.

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Health and Children consisting of 11 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider -
      
      1. such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Health and Children;
      2. such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Health and Children; and
      3. such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,

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

      
      
   2. For the purpose of its consideration of Bills and proposals under paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (1)(a)(iii), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (3).
   3. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 90(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. 1. 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 -
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Health and Children as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Health and Children is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Health and Children and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Health and Children pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii), 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 for Health and Children; and

      
      
      8. 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.

      
      
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1) to (9) inclusive.
      
      1. The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”.

Seanad Éireann on 17 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee consisting of 4 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 –
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Health and Children as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Health and Children is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Health and Children and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 65(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Health and Children pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 1(a)(i) and (iii), 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;
      8. 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 for Health and Children;

      And 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.

      
      
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 65(1) to (9) inclusive.
2. The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.”.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children

Deputies: Paudge Connelly (Ind)^******

Jimmy Devins (FF) (Vice Chairman)^*****

Dermot Fitzpatrick (FF)

Beverly Flynn (FF)

John Gormley (GP)

Liz McManus (Lab)

John Moloney (FF) (Chairman)^****

Dan Neville (FG)

Charlie O'Connor (FF) (Government^***

Convenor)

Fiona O'Malley (PD)

Liam Twomey (FG)^*

Senators: Fergal Browne (FG) (Opposition Convenor)^**

Geraldine Feeney (FF)

Camillus Glynn (FF)

Mary Henry (Ind)

APPENDIX 3

Joint Committee on Health and Children.

Order establishing a sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society

Ordered on 13 October 2005:-

“That-

1. a sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society) be established to consider such matters as it may think fit in relation to suicide and to report back to the Joint Committee thereon;
2. the sub-Committee shall consist of 6 members of whom 4 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 2 shall be Members of Seanad Éireann;
3. the quorom of the sub-Committee shall be 3, of whom 1 at least shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of Seanad Éireann;
4. in relation to the matter specifically referred to in paragraph a) above, the sub-Committee shall have those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in paragraphs 2(a)(i) to 2(a)(iii) (Dáil) and in paragraphs1(a)(i) to 1(a)(iii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee's Orders of Reference; and
5. the Sub-Committee shall have the following powers of the Joint Committee, namely, those contained in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad).”

Appendix 4

Members of the sub-Committee on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

Deputies: Paudge Connolly (Ind)

John Moloney (FF) (Chairman)

Dan Neville (FG)

Charlie O' Connor (FF)

Senators: Camillus Glynn (FF)

Fergal Browne (FG)

Appendix 5

Joint Committee on Health and Children.

Amended Order establishing a sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Ordered on 12 October 2006:-

“That-

6. a Sub-Committee (to be called the Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals) be established to consider such matters as it may think fit in relation to the adverse side effects of pharmaceuticals.
7. the Sub-Committee shall consist of 6 members of whom 3 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 3 shall be members of Seanad Éireann;
8. the quorom of the sub-Committee shall be 3, of whom 1 at least shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of Seanad Éireann;
9. in relation to the matter specifically referred to in paragraph a) above, the sub-Committee shall have those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in paragraphs 2(a)(i) to 2(a)(iii) (Dáil) and in paragraphs1(a)(i) to 1(a)(iii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee's Orders of Reference; and
10. the Sub-Committee shall have the following powers of the Joint Committee, namely, those contained in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad).”

Appendix 6

Members of the sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Deputies:

Paudge Connolly (Ind) (Chairman)

Jimmy Devins (FF)

Liam Twomey (FG)

Senators:

Geraldine Feeney (FF)

Camillus Glynn (FF)

Mary Henry (Ind)

APPENDIX 7

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 8

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

Appendix 9

Meetings of the sub-Committee on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

Appendix 10

Meetings of The sub-Committee on The Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

APPENDIX 11

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 19^th January 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.37 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Ned O'Keeffe (in substitution for John Moloney, and Fiona O'Malley.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Peter Callanan (in part-substitution for Camillus Glynn) Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 24^th November last were agreed.

In Private Session.

4.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Brian Lenihan, T.D., and Minister for Children supporting a submission from Anne O'Donnell, Head of Communications, National Children's Office, on behalf of the Coiste nadTeachtaí of Dáil na nÓg (National Youth Parliament) requesting an invitation to meet with the J.C. on Health and Children to discuss the issue of Alcohol and Drug Misuse and Facilities for Young People which were raised at Dáil na nÓg 2005. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to the Minister and the National Children's Office informing them that they will include this issue in our 2006 Work Programme.
• Submission from Celine O'Donovan requesting an invitation on behalf of Andre Menache to present to the J.C. on Health and Children on the issue of animal experimentations. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Ms O'Donovan stating that the Committee are dealing with a number of priority issues at present but would welcome a written submission in the first instance.
• Submission from David Kennedy, Chairman, National Heart Alliance, requesting an invitation to present to the J.C. on Health and Children on the issue of the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and the impacts on their food choices and the related health issues of Tpye 2 diabetes and heart disease. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Mr. Kennedy, informing him that the Committee at its meeting of today has heard submissions from the Diabetes Federation of Ireland and the Taskforce on Obesity in relation to this issue.
• Letter form Maria-Teresa Kelly Oroz, Head of Legal and Regulatory, VIVAS, requesting that the transcript of the meeting of 29^th September, 2005, be changed in relation to the wording of a particular reference (outlined in the letter) which was made by Mr Oliver Tattan in the course of that meeting. The Committee agreed to amend the transcript as requested.
• Invitation from the OECD to participate in a High level OECD Parliamentary Seminary on the “Policy Implications of Ageing Populations” which will take place at OECD Headquarters in Paris on 23 February 2006 from 10 am to 5pm. The Committee agreed to send 2 Members to this conference and requested the Clerk to prepare detailed costings for the next meeting

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Statutory Instrument No's. 761, 762, 764, 765, 766, 767, 768, 769, 770, 771, 814, 825 and 827 from the Department Health and Children.
• Letter and current list of EU Scrutiny documents together with decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at a meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 15^th December last.
• Letter from John Treacy, CEO, the Irish Sports Council, accepting the invitation to make a presentation to the J.C. on Health and Children on 19^th January, 2006.
• Letter from Kieran O'Leary, Manager, Diabetes Federation of Ireland, confirming acceptance of the invitation to make a presentation to the J.C. on Health and Children on 19^th. January, 2006.
• Letter from Colm O'Gorman, Director, One in four, accepting the invitation to make a presentation to the J.C. on Health and Children on 2^nd. February, 2006.
• E-mail correspondence from Michael Woods regarding the Report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.
• Letter from John McCormack, CE, Irish Cancer Society, accepting an invitation to make a presentation to the J.C. on Health and Children on 16^th. February, 2006.
• Letter from Carol Boate, Manager, Advocacy Division, The Competition Authority, enclosing 2 Reports: (both are available from the Committee Secretariat on request)

Competition in Professional Services Optometrists, Preliminary Report Dec. 2005.




Competition in Professional Services Dentists, Preliminary Report Dec 2005.



• Newsletter of the Drug Misuse Research Division, entitled Drugnet Ireland, issue 16, Winter 2005. (Available on request from Committee Secretariat).
• Letter from the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children regarding the Hib Booster catch up campaign.
• Letter from Dr. Jim Kiely, Chief Medical Officer confirming that Officials from the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive will attend a meeting of the Committee on 2 March 2006 to give an update on the issue of MRSA.

5. 2005 Annual Report and the 2006 work Prgramme.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the 2005 Annual Report and the 2006 Work Programme until the next meeting.

6.Any Other Business

The Committee agreed that a draft report of a trip to Barcelona from 28^th November to 1^st December to visit an In-Vitro Fertilisation Clinic and to look at the primary healthcare system in Spain be laid before both Houses in accordance with Standing Orders.

The Committee agreed to send a delegation to Scotland to investigate the evidence that the suicide rates in Scotland have reduced significantly in the last number of years. This visit is relevant to the Work of the Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

The Committee agreed to organise a meeting to discuss the Avian Flu Problem.

The Committee agreed to Invite the food processing industry, An Bord Bia and the National Heart Alliance in to a future meeting of the Committee to discuss the whole area of obesity and diabetes.

The Committee agreed to write to the Minister requesting that in future all reports be circulated to Members of both houses as soon as they are published.

The Committee agreed to write to the Department of Health and Children to ascertain the reason for the delay in the publishing of a report into the investigation of the death of Patrick Walsh who died of a bleeding ulcer in Monaghan General Hospital.

In Public Session

3. Discussion with the Diabetes Federation of Ireland regarding the rise in Type 2 Diabetes in Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Dr. Tony O'Sullivan, Chairperson, Diabetes Federation of Ireland

Dr. Richard Firth, Chairperson, Diabetes Section of the Irish Endocrine Society

Ms. Maria Carr, Chairperson, Irish Diabetes Nurse Specialists Association

Dr. Fidelma Dunne, Diabetes Section of the Irish Endocrine Society

Ms. Sinead Powell, Diabetes Section of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute

and asked Dr. O'Sullivan to commence his presentation on the rise in Type 2 diabetes in Ireland.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation. The Committee agreed to raise the issue with the Health Service Executive.

4. Discussion with the Task Force on Obesity regarding the significant rise in adult and child obesity.

The Chairman welcomed John Treacy and Paul McDermott to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation to the Committee on the significant rise in adult and child obesity.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation. The Committee agreed to write to the Department of Health and Children recommending that the implementation group recommended in the report of the Task Force on Obesity be set up without further delay.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.58 pm until 9.30 am on 2^nd February 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

2nd February 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 2^nd February 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.33 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 19^th January last were agreed.

In Private Session.

7.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Karen Clancy, Myasthenia Gravis Association (MG), requesting to meet with the Joint Committee with the aim of seeking funding from the Government for an educational programme to provide free information packs to MG sufferers and the provision of a free CD to all GP's and other related professional. The Committee agreed to write to Ms. Clancy informing her that while the Committee are not in a position to meet with the Myasthenia Gravis Association in the near future we will forward her submission to the Tánaiste and the HSE requesting that they give consideration to providing the funding required.
• E-mail from William Kennedy, Head of Professional Standards and Legal Adviser to the Ethics Committee of the Medical Council, expressing their interest in making a submission to the Joint Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction. It was agreed to write to Mr. Kennedy informing him that the Committee does not intend to facilitate oral or written submissions during their consideration of the Report
• Invitation Programme to the XVI International Aids Conference – Toronto Canada – 13 – 18 August 2006. It was agreed that the Committee would decide whether or not to send a delegation nearer the time.
• ‘Report of Dr. Deirdre Madden on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures’; and a Press Release on the publication of Report of Dr. Madden dated 18^th January, 2006; and a cover letter from Mary Jackson, Blood Policy Division, Department of Health and Children, stating that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D., has decided to refer the Report to the Joint Committee on Health and Children for it's consideration. It was agreed that the Committee, in considering the report, should seek a meeting in the near future with the Department of Health Officials concerned to get an update on the implementation of the recommendations. It was also agreed to add this to the list of topics to be discussed with the Tanaiste and the HSE at their quarterly updates to the Committee.
• Letter from Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children enclosing a “Report of the Ombudsman for Children to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children on Complaints Received about Child Protection in Ireland.” It was agreed that the Committee invite Ms Logan in to a future meeting of the Committee to discuss the report.
• Letter from Tim O'Sullivan, Senior Health Specialist, Institute of Public Administration to the Chairman requesting a meeting with a Bulgarian delegation to discuss the work of the Committee. The Committee were informed that Room 2 Leinster House has been booked for 1 March next at 4.00 p.m. for this meeting.
• Letter from Dr. Gaye Cunnane, Consultant Rheumatologist, St. James's Hospital, requesting a meeting with the Joint Committee to discuss the Rheumatology Services in Ireland. It was Agreed to Inivte Dr. Cunnane in to discuss this issue.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Report on the Plenary session of the European Parliament, Strasbourg, 16-19^th. January, 2006.

Part 1: Debates of common interests




Part 2: Sector debates and votes.



• Statutory Instrument, S.I. No. 882 of 2005, Irish Medicines Boards (Fees) Regulations 2005.
• Legislative Programme for next Dáil Session.
• Letter from Dr. Darina Flanagan, Director, Health Protection Surveillance Centre confirming that she will be available to attend a meeting of the Joint Committee on the 16^th February next to discuss Avian Influenza.
• Letter from Mr. Gerard Griffin, Chairman of Breaking Through.
• Letter and current list of EU Scrutiny documents together with decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny at a meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 26^th December last.
• Letter from Mr. Dermot Ryan, Health Insurance Authority commenting on presentations made by BUPA and Vivas health to the Committee on the issue of Risk Equalisation.

8. 2005 Annual Report and the 2006 work Prgramme.

Members had been circulated with the draft 2005 Annual Report and the 2006 Work Programme. It was agreed that the 2005 Annual Report and the 2006 Work Programme should be laid, without amendment, before the Houses in accordance with Standing Orders.

9. Travel Proposal

The Joint Committee were circulated with an estimated cost to send three Members to Scotland examine the implementation of the policies of the Department of Health regarding the significant reduction in suicide rates amongst the Scottish population. It was agreed to send the delegation.

10. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed that a draft report of a trip to Paris from 29^th November to 1^st December to look at the primary healthcare system in France be laid before both Houses in accordance with Standing Orders.

In Public Session

3. Discussion with Con Colbert, Irish Electromagnetic Radiation Victim's Network on the Adverse Health Effects from Mobile Phone Masts..

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Mr. Con Colbert

Ms. Helen McCrory

Ms. Holly Moore

Mr. John Cummins and

John Ryan

and asked Mr. Colbert to commence his presentation on the adverse health effects from Mobile Phone Masts.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

4. Discussion with Colm O'Gorman, One in Four, on The Ferns Report.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting

Mr. Colm O'Gorman, Director

Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Advocacy Co-ordinator

Therese Gaynor, Clinical Director and

Bernadette Morris, PA – Director

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation. The Committee agreed to invite the Minister for Children to come before the Committee to discuss the issue. The Committee also agreed to continuously review the issue on a quarterly basis with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the HSE.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 12.32 pm until 9.30 am on 16^th February 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

16^th February 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 16^th February 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Senator Mary Henry

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 2^nd February last were agreed.

In Private Session.

11.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Ms. Mary Hand, Awareness Coordinator, Cystic Fibrosis Adult Group in relation to organ and tissue donation and the issue of an awareness campaign. The Committee agreed to forward a copy of the letter to the Department of Health and Children seeking the Departments views on the issue.
• Correspondence from Ms. Cecilia Keaveney T.D. enclosing a submission from Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. The are seeking to make a presentation to the Committee on the issue. The Committee agreed to add this item to the Work Programme for 2006
• Letter for the Clerk to the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny detailing list of decisions taken at its meeting of 9 February. The Committee agreed that as a number of other proposals are awaiting further scrutiny that a meeting be arranged in the near future with the relevant Department of Health and Children Officials to discuss these proposals.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Dr. Jim Kiely, Chief Medical Officer, confirming he will come before the Committee on 16 February to discuss the avian flu problem.
• Letter from Interparliamentary Unit enclosing a copy of a report in relation to the treatement of acute spinal cord injury which Mr. Noel Davern T.D., received at a presentation made by the Icelandic Delegation during the sitting of the plenary session of the Assembly.
• SI No. 12 of 2006 Registration of Marriages (Ireland) Act, 1863 (Section 8) (Limerick) Order, 2006.
• E-Mail from Ms. Nikki Gallagher confirming the attendance of Ms. Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children, before the Committee on 9 March next.
• Booklet received from the National Economic Social Council on “People, Productivity and Purpose” A copy of this booklet is available on request from the Committee Secretariat.

12.Any Other Business

The Chairman informed the Committee that the Tanaiste and Minister for Health and Children had indicated that she would be available to appear before the Committee on Wednesday 8^th March, however as this is not the Committee's normal time to meet there are no meeting rooms available on that day. The next available date is 30^th March 2006.

In Public Session

3 Discussion with the Irish Cancer Society on the issue of Cervical Cancer Screening

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Dr John Kennedy, Medical Oncologist, St James Hospital and Board Member, Irish Cancer Society

Professor Walter Prendiville, Consultant Gynaecologist, Coombe Women's Hospital

Mr John McCormack, Chief Executive, Irish Cancer Society

Ms Jane Curtin, Communications Manager, Irish Cancer Society

John Ryan

and asked the delegation to commence their presentation on the issue of Cervical Cancer Screening.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

4. Discussion on the Avian Influenza H5N1.

I would like to welcome the following to the meeting

Dr. Jim Kiely, CMO, Department of Health and Children

Dr. Darina O'Flanagan, Director, National Disease Surveillance Unit

Mr. Kevin Kelleher, HSE

Dr. Gavin Maguire, Health Service Executive

Mr. Chris Fitzgerald, Department of Health and Children

Mr. Dermot Ryan, Department of Agriculture and Food

Ms. Sally Gaynor, Department of Agriculture and Food

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 12.30 pm until 9.30 am on 2^nd March 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

2^nd March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 2^nd March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Geraldine Feeney and Senator Mary Henry

Apologies were received from Senator Fergal Browne.

Deputy James Breen and Senator John Dardis were also in attendance.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 16^th February last were agreed.

In Private Session.

13.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• SI No. 12 of 2006 Registration of Marriages (Ireland) Act, 1863 (Section 8) (Limerick) Order, 2006. The Committee agreed to have the situation in relation to Multiple Marriages clarified.
• E-mail from Senator Fergal Browne requesting that the Joint Committee give consideration to his request that Comreg appear before the Committee. The Committee agreed that the Clerk should write to COMMREG seeking a written submission on the issue in the first instance.
• Request from ‘The Open Door Network‗, (Kerry's response to violence against women & children) to appear before the Joint Committee to discuss issues relating to service provision and the needs of clients with regard to violence against women and children. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to this Group requesting a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter from Petar Semerdzhiev, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, requesting that some Members of the Joint Committee meet with a delegation of Committee Members from the Children, Youth and Sports Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria for an exchange of views in relation to child policy issues. The Committee agreed to meet with this delegation during their visit to Ireland. No date has been set yet for the visit.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Cover letter from Siobhán Malone, J.C. on European Affairs and correspondence received from the European Parliament relating to documents which were adopted at its session of 12^th – 15^th. December, 2005.
• Statutory Instruments:

S.I. No. 64 of 2006 ~ European Communities (Cosmetic Products) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2006.




S.I. No. 54 of 2006 ~ Misuse of Drugs (Exemption)(Amendment) Order, 2006.



• S.I. No. 53 of 2006 ~ Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations, 2006-02-22.
• Letter from Dr Gaye Cunnane, Consultant Rheumatologist/ Physician, St. James's Hospital, confirming her acceptance to present to the Committee on 11^th May 2006.
• Cover letter from Siobhán Malone, J.C. on European Affairs regarding correspondence received from the European Parliament relating to documents which were adopted at its session of 16^th – 19^th January, 2006.
• Letter from Siobhan Barron, Acting Director, National Disability Authority, acknowledging the postponement of the date of 16^th March to present it's Sectoral Plan to the Joint Committee on Health and Children.
• Publication from Combat Poverty Agency regarding a submission to the Social Partners on a New Partnership Agreement 2006 entitled ‘Making a Decisive Impact on Poverty Through Social Partnership.

14.Any Other Business

The Committee agreed to invite Dr. Mulcahy from St. James's Hospital in to a future meeting of the Committee to discuss the rise in sexually transmitted diseases.

The Committee agreed to arrange a meeting in the near future to discuss the increase in TB.

In Public Session

6 Discussion with Officials from the Department of Health & Children and the Health Service Executive to update on MRSA issues.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Dr. Colette Bonner, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, DoHC

Mr. Peter Hanrahan, Assistant Principal Officer, DoHC

Ms. Dympna Butler, Principal Officer, DoHC

Dr. Kevin Kelleher, Assistant National Director, Population Health Directorate, HSE

Dr. Mary Hynes, Assistant National Director, National Hospitals Office, HSE

And asked Dr. Bonner to commence the presentation on MRSA issues.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.20 pm until 9.30 am on 9^th March 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

9^th March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 9^th March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor,

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn and Senator Mary Henry

Apologies were received from Deputies John Moloney and Paudge Connolly.

Deputy Ollie Wilkinson was also in attendance.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 2^nd March last were agreed.

In Private Session.

15.Correspondence

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Eugene Murray, CEO, The Irish Hospice Foundation, informing Committee Members of the launch of it's Report entitled “A Baseline Study on the Provision of Hospice/Specialist Palliative care Services in Ireland” on 31^st. March, and requesting the opportunity to present the key findings of the Report / research to the Joint Committee. The Committee agreed to write to the Foundation requesting a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter and Submission from Ronan Quirke, MPSI, President of The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and Ambrose McLouglin, Registrar and Secretary, requesting the opportunity to make an oral presentation to the Joint Committee regarding new pharmacy legislation. The Committee agreed to write to the Society informing them that they would invite them in to make a presentation on the issue when the legislation has been referred to the Committee.
• Correspondence from the ‘Open Door Network’ (Kerry's response to violence against women and children) group be accommodated to make a presentation to the Joint Committee regarding the issue of Violence against Women. The Committee had dealt with correspondence from this group last week and it was again agreed to write to the group requesting a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter and e-mail's from Mike Glynn, CE, Brainwave's , Irish Epilepsy Association, requesting an opportunity to make a presentation to the Joint Committee regarding the substitution of Epilepsy branded drugs by generics. The Committee agreed to write to the association requesting a written submission in the first instance.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from An Tánaiste's private secretary confirming her attendance before the Joint Committee on Thursday 30^th. March, 2006 at 9.30a.m.
• Letter from Sinéad McCann, Clerk to the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, outlining the decision taken on 2^nd. March 2006, regarding COM documents.
• Publications from Combat Poverty Agency entitled

1. Community Participation and Primary Care: Dr Philip Crowley Nov. 2005
2. Tackling Health Inequalities – A Community Development Approach
3. Building Healthy Communities – Supporting Community Development Funded Initiative (2005-2007)

16.Any Other Business

The Committee discussed the Work Programme of the Committee and agreed to put this on the Agenda for the Joint Committee meeting of 23 March next.

In Public Session

6 Discussion with Ms. Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children on the Report on Complaints received about Child Protection in Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Emily Logan, Ombudsman for Children, to the meeting and asked Ms. Logan to commence her presentation on the Report on Complaints received about Child Protection in Ireland.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked Ms. Logan for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 10.40 pm until 10.00 am on 16^th March 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

16^th March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 16^th March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 10.08 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Pat Breen.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry, Kieran Phelan (in substitution for Geraldine Feeney and John Hanafin (in substitution for Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputies Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Beverley Flynn, Fiona O'Malley and Senator Geraldine Feeney.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 9^th March last were agreed.

In Private Session.

17.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Email from Peter Semerdijiev suggesting the last week of April as an appropriate time for the Committee to meet with the Chairman of the Bulgarian Committee. The Committee agreed to have a meeting with the delegation during this period.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Mr. Eamon Corcoran confirming the availability of officials from the Dept. of Health and Children and officials from the Irish Medicines Board will be available to appear before the Joint Committee on 13^th April in respect of the EU proposals.
• Invitation from Charlotte Leiper, Event Coordinator, to attend the DTI Global Watch Seminars taking place in March 2006.
• Letter from Ms. Annette Hughes stating that DKM Economic Consultants is experiencing a change of ownership.
• Letter from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul expressing their response to the Budget 2006.
• Letter for Tim Mc Donald confirming his attendance to the Committee Meeting on Thursday, 23^rd March.

18.Any Other Business

The Chairman informed the Committee that the sub-group who had been assigned to look at the Report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction had produced a draft report. The Committee agreed to have a private meeting on Wednesday 22 March at 9.30 a.m. to discuss the Report.

In Public Session

6 Discussion with Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., Minister for Children on the Ferns Report and on the Report of the Ombudsman for Children on Complaints received about child protection in Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister and his Officials to the meeting to discuss the Ferns Report and the Report of the Ombudsman for Children on complaints received about child protection in Ireland and asked the Minister to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Minister and his Officials for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

19.Discussion with Officials from the Department of Finance and the Revenue Commissioners on the Current Operation of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pat Murphy, Department of Finance,

Lynda Finneran, Department of Finance, Ciaran Coyle, Revenue Commissioners and Paddy Barrett, Revenue Commissioners to the meeting and asked Mr. Murphy to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued during which the Committee to write to the Minister for Finance expressing dissatisfaction at the criteria for qualifying for this scheme. The Chairman thanked the Minister and his Officials for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 10.40 pm until 10.00 am on 16^th March 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

23^rd March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 23^rd March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.33 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Flynn, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Fiona O Malley.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 16^th March last were agreed.

In Private Session

4. Correspondance.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Email from Mr. John Cummins of B.E.S.T. requesting information on what steps the Committee have taken since their presentation to the Committee on the 2^nd February 2006. The committee agreed to write back to Mr. Cummins informing him that the Committee had requested a written submission from COMREG on the issue.
• Letter from Cáit Haynes highlighting the National Assembly of Bulgaria's second Conference of Women Parliamentarians which will be held in Bulgaria on the 19^th -20^th May 2006. The Committee agreed to send a delegation to this conference.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Statement from Peamount Hospital that was read out on “Morning Ireland”, Tuesday, 14^th March 2006.
• Letter from the National Heart Alliance replying to an invitation made by the Joint Committee for Health and Children.

5. Work Programme

The draft Work Programme for the Spring/Summer Session which had been circulated to Members was agreed.

6.Any Other Business

The Chairman informed the Committee that the status of the Lourdes Hospital Inquiry Report was that the Government has asked Judge Clarke to advise on an appropriate scheme of redress arising from the findings of her report. The Judge has accepted to undertake this work. The Tanaiste has also asked the Department to develop proposals to address the need for stronger clinical governance arrangements through the health system.

Deputy Paudge Connolly proposed that the Committee make a recommendation to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health on Children on the redress scheme stating that a case had already been heard in the High Court and Supreme Court. The Committee agreed to get more information on the case before it made a decision.

In Public Session

1. 6 Discussions with Mr. Tim Mc Donnell, Chairman, TB Advisory Group, regarding the increase in the incidence of Tuberculosis.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Tim McDonnell, Dr. Barry O'Connell, Dr. Terry O'Connor and Dr. Joe Keane to the meeting to discuss the increase in the incidence of Tuberculosis and asked Dr. McDonnell to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.07 pm until 9.30 am on 30^th March 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

30^th March 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 30th March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins Beverly Flynn, Dermot Fitzpatrick, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Deputies Gerry Cowley and Caoimhghin O' Caoláin and Senators Terry Leyden and Kathleen O'Meara were also in attendance

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 23^rd March last were agreed.

In Public Session

4. Discussion with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, Health Service Executive on important Health Issues.

The Chairman welcome the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney, T.D., and Professor Drumm and their Officials o the meeting and asked the Tanaiste and Professor Drumm to make their opening statements.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and Professor Drumm for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

In Private Session.

5.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Department of Health and Children, replying to correspondence from the Joint Committee for Health and Children relating to Organ Donation issues. The Committee agreed to note this correspondence and send a copy to Ms. Mary Hand, Cystic Fibrosis Adult Group who raised this issue.
• Letter from ComReg referring to the measurements of emissions from mobile phone masts. The Committee agreed to note the correspondence and send a copy of the submission to the IERVN.
• Letter from Mr. Frank McManus, Orthopaedic Surgeon, stating that he is available to come before the Committee to discuss the National Spinal Injuries Centre. The Committee agreed to invite Mr McManus to make a presentation to the Committee at a future meeting.
• E-mail from Deputy Liam Twomey, requesting that the Committee put time aside to discuss the North Dublin out of hours GP Care. The Committee agreed to put this item on the Work Programme.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Ms. Sinead McCann referring to proposals made by the sub Committee on European Scrutiny.
• Letter from Dr. Richard Firth expressing his sincere thanks to the Health and Children Committee for their kind hospitality and suggests some priority issues to be taken up with An Tánaiste, Mary Harney, TD at the next Joint Committee meeting.
• Letter from the Office of the European Union referring to the Commissions decision to authorise the placing on the market of food containing, consisting of, or produced from genetically modified maize.

20. Any Other Business

The Chairman informed the Committee that he had attended a meeting of the Working Group of Committee Chairman last Thursday at which it was agreed that Committees submit their travel plans for the remainder of the year in order that travel budgets can be set. The Chairman asked if Members had any travel proposals for the remainder of the year. Deputy Fiona O'Malley suggested the the Committee look into travelling to Maryland to look at IT systems in the Health Service there.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 1.51 pm until 11.15 am on 6^th April 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

6^th April 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 6th April 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 11.25 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins Beverly Flynn, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Senator Mary White was also in attendance

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 30^th March last were agreed.

In Public Session

4.Discussion with Dr. Susan Clarke, Consultant on Infectious Diseases, St. James's Hospital, on sexually Transmitted diseases (STD's).

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Susan Clarke to the meeting and asked her to commence her presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked Dr.Clarke for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

In Private Session.

6.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Email from Deputy Twomey, stating that Cllr. Carmel Hanna, health spokes person for the SDLP has inquired about arranging a Health Committee meeting with the SDLP Health Group to discuss proposals for Cross Border Health initiatives and activity. The Committee agreed to find out if there was a corresponding health committee in Northern Ireland with which they could meet with to discuss the proposals for Corss Border Helath initiatives and activity.
• Letter from Dr. Paddy Judge requesting that the remark made by Bishop Brendan Comiskey at the Ferns Inquiry and published in the Ferns Report be withdraw with the help of the Committee members. The Committee agreed to write back to Dr. Judge informing him that this is not a matter for this Committee as the Report is not a Committee Report.
• Letter from Ms. Sandra Orr requesting a meeting with the Joint Committee for Health and Children to make a presentation on the needs of Chronic Pain sufferers in Ireland. The Committee agreed to add this issue to the work programme.
• Letter from Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Secretary General of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, requesting a meeting with the Joint Committee to give its views on the difficulties being experienced in providing services to patients. The Committee agreed to arrange a meeting of the Committee on 27 April 2006 to discuss this issue.
• E-mail from Deputy Liam Twomey requesting that the Committee have a meeting as a matter of urgency to discuss the out of hours GP Service on the north side Dublin. The Committee agreed to arrange a meeting on the 18 May next to discuss this issue
• E-mail from Deputy Liam Twomey requesting that a meeting be arranged for the Committee to discuss the new tertiary hospital for children. The Committee agreed to arrange a meeting of the Committee on 27 April 2006 to discuss this issue.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from the Post Polio Support Group updating Committee members on the substantial progress that the group has made since having last meet with the Committee.
• Letter from Jacqueline Harris, Secretary, St. James's Hospital confirming the attendance of Dr. Susan Clarke to the Joint Committee on Thursday, 6^th April at 11.15a.m.
• Letter from Professor Oliver FitzGerald , Newman Clinical Research Professor, stating that he is unable to attend the Rheumatology Services in Ireland meeting with the Joint Committee on Health and Children, Thursday 11^th May, 2006.

21.Any Other Business

The Committee discussed a proposal to visit an A & E Department and it was agreed that each Member visit their own local A & E Department and report back to the Committee.

The Committee discussed the issue of Orthodontics and the fact that the HSE is in the process of forming a review group. The Committee agreed to write to Professor Drumm expressing concern as to the Membership of the group.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 1.03 pm until 10.30 am on 13^th April 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

6^th April 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 13th April 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 10.34 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Dermot Fitzpatrick, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney, Kieran Phelan (in part substitution for Geraldine Feeney), John Hanafin (in substitution for Camillus Glynn).

Deputies Joe Costello and Eamon Ryan were also in attendance

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 6^th April last were agreed.

In Private Session.

4.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from The National Register of Herbalists requesting a chance to come before the Joint Committee for Health and Children to make a presentation. The Committee agreed to write to this group informing them that while the Committee are dealing with a number of priority issues at present they would welcome a written submission on the issue in the first instance.
• A Letter from Deputy John Moloney referring to the letter he has received from Ms. Helen Moloney, Corporate Learning and Development Section Health Service Executive, who is requesting a meeting with the Joint Committee on 13 June next. The Committee agreed to arrange a lunch in the Members Restaurant to meet the group who will be arrive in Leinster House at 1.30 p.m.
• E-Mail from Mr. Petar Semerdijiev from the Bulgarian Embassy suggesting the period 14^th to 17^th May for the visit by the Buldarian Health Committee. The Committee agreed to meet with the delegation during the suggested period.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• Drugnet Ireland Newsletter, available on request from the Committee Secretariat.
• Letter from Ms. Siobhan Mc Cann referring to the decisions taken by the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny.
• Letter from Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children referring to the Health Service Reform Programme and the Tánaiste's intention to establish the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on a statutory basis and to establish the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services within the Authority.
• Letter from Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Secretary General, Irish Hospital Consultants Association accepting the Committees invitation to make a presentation to the Committee on April 27^th next.

In Public Session

5. Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals COM(2005)681 as regards the review of the medical device directives; Com(2005)567 on advanced medicinal products; and COM(2005)577 on medicinal products for paediatric use.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Eamon Corcoran, Ms. Mary Jackson, Mr. Wilf Higgins, Ms. Moira Griffin, Ms. Noreen Quinn from the Department of Health and Children and Ms. Ann O'Connor from the Irish Medicines Board to the meeting and asked Mr. Corcoran to commence his presentation on the three proposals

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

The meeting agreed that the proposals which had been referred for scrutiny had now been fully scrutinised.

The Clerk was asked to prepare a report on the outcome of the scrutiny.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.31 am until 9.30 am on 27^th April 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

6^th April 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 27th April 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.33 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverly Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputy John Moloney

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 13^th April last were agreed.

In Private Session.

5.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• E-mail from Mr. John Cummins, Chairperson, B.E.S.T., referring to COMREG's written submission. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Mr. Cummins informing him that the Committee has considered COMREG's written submission on the issue and has decided, as the Committee is dealing with a number of priority issues at present, not to examine the issue further at this time.
• Letter from Ms. Cáit Hayes, Interparliamentary referring to an invitation to a ‘High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on HIV/AIDS, which will be held in New York from 31^st May – 2^nd June. The Committee agreed to send a delegation of 5 to this conference. The Committee also agreed to travel to Boston to investigate a universal health insurance scheme in operation in Massachusetts.
• The Government Legislative Programme Summer Session, 2006. Noted? Noted!.
• Letter from Garrett Quigley, Managing Director, Pepsico International Ireland, referring to the endeavours they have made to ensure their food products are more conducive to healthy living. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Mr. Quigley informing him that the Committee intends to have a meeting in July next in relation to the marketing of food products and will invite Pepsico in to make a presentation at that meeting.
• Letter from Niall Keane, Chief Executive, National Association for Deaf People, requesting to make a presentation to the Committee on the issue of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS). The Committee agreead to invite this association in to make a presentation later in the year.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• The Government Legislative Programme Summer Session, 2006..
• Copy of a letter dated 21 April 2006 from the Private Secretary to the Minister for Finance enclosing the Minute of the Minister for Finance in response to the Second Report 2005 of the Committee of Public Accounts on Proposals for Alterations in the Way that Estimates for Expenditure are considered by Dáil Éireann.

6.Any Other Business.

Proposed travel to Sofia, Bulgaria 19-20^th June, 2006

Members had been circulated with an estimate for two members to attend the Second Conference of Women Parliamentarians hosted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria in Sofia, Bulgaria. The estimate was agreed

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

The Committee agreed that the Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals would comprise of Deputies Jimmy Devins, Liam Twomey and Paudge Connolly and Senators Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry.

The Committee agreed that the sub-Committee holds its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, 9^th May next at 2.30 pm. It can decide how it wishes to proceed at that meeting.

Members agreed the draft Orders of Reference for the sub-Committee and that they should be laid before both Houses by the Clerk in accordance with Standing Orders.

SDLP Health Group

The Committee agreed to invite Cllr. Carmel Hanna, Health Spokes Person for the SDLP to a working lunch to discuss proposals for Cross Border Initiatives and Activity.

In Public Session

2.Discussions with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association regarding public hospital services.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

1. Dr. Josh P. Keaveny, President, IHCA and Consultant Anaesthetist, Beaumont Hospital
2. Dr. James Binchy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University Hospital, Galway
3. Dr. Gerard Lane, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Letterkenny General Hospital
4. Dr. Gerard McCarthy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Cork University Hospital
5. Dr. Paul Browne, Consultant Haematologist, St. James's Hospital.
6. Mr. Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Secretary General, IHCA

and asked Dr. Keaveny to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.56 am until 9.30 am on 11^th May 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

27^th April 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 11th May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverly Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn.

Deputy Jerry Cowley was also in attendance

Apologies were received from Deputy John Moloney

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 27^th April last were agreed.

In Private Session.

7.Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

1. Letter from Seán Power T.D., Minister of State, referring to a letter he has received from the Irish Heart Foundationregarding the marketing of unhealthy food for children. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Minister Power informing him that the Irish Heart Foundation have been invited in to a meeting of the Committee in July to discuss this issue.
2. Invitation for the Joint Committee for Health and Children to attend the 9^th European Health Forum Gastein, 2006, 4^th – 7^th October. The Committee agreed to decide nearer the time whether to send a delegation to this conference.
3. Letter from Jacinta Hastings, Senior Executive Officer, Mental Health Ireland, referring to the Mental Health Ireland Annual Conference, Talbolt Hotel, Wexford, Friday 19^th - Sunday 21^st May, 2006. The Committee agreed to send two members to this conference. Deputy Paudge Connolly and Senator Camillus Glynn.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• Letter from Ms. Sinead McCann, referring to the decisions taken by the Sub Committee on European Scrutiny.
• Letter from Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Department of Health and Children, referring to the group, Survivors of Symphysiotomy.
• Letter from Ms. Mary Harney TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, referring to the issue of “the provision of localised services for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers”, raised by Deputy McManus, to An Tánaiste on the 30^th March in a joint Committee meeting for Health and Children.
• Letter from Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Department of Health and Children, on the issue of Cystic Fibrosis and organ transplation.

In Public Session

1. Presentation by Consultant Rheumatologists and Arthritis Ireland on the needs of the Rheumatology Services.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Paul O'Connell, Rheumatology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dr. Gaye Cunnane, Consultant in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, St. James's Hospital, Dr. Robert Coughlan, Consultant Rheumatologist, Merlin Park Hospital Cork, Dr. Mick Molly, Consultant Rheumatologist Cork, Ms. Mary Healy, Patient, Arthritis Ireland and Mr. John Church, CEO, Arthritis Ireland to the meeting

and asked Dr. Kinnane to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

The Committee also agreed to make contact with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children regarding the rheumatology service in Ireland.

2.Discussions with officials from the Department of Health and Children and HSE on the New Tertiary Hospital for Children.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Laverne McGuinness, National Director, National Share Services and Chairman of the Joint HSE/DoHC Task Group to advise on the optimum location of the new paediatric hospital, Dr. Fenton Howell, Population Health Directorate of the HSE, Mr. Paul Barron, Assistant Secretary, Dept. of Health and Children and Dr. Philip Crowley, Deputy CMO, Dept. of Health and Children to the meeting

And asked Ms. McGuinness to commence her presentation

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.32 am until 9.30 am on 18^th May 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

11^th May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 18th May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn. Peter Callanan (in part substitution for Camillus Glynn)

Senator Paul Coughlan was also in attendance

Apologies were received from Deputies Charlie O'Connor, Beverley Flynn and Dan Neville

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 11^th May last were agreed.

In Private Session.

8. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• A submission from Mr. Mike Glynn, CEO, Brainwave, on the substitution of epilepsy branded drugs by Generics. Mr. Glynn is also requesting an opportunity to make an oral presentation to the Committee. The Committee agreed to invite Mr. Glynn in to make a presentation to the Committee later in the year.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• A letter from Maureen Mulivhill, Health Promotion Manager, The Irish Heart Foundation , accepting an invitation to come before the Committee on Thursday, 6^th July.
• A letter from Professor Brendan Drumm, Chief Executive Officer, HSE, referring to this recent appearance before the Joint Committee for Health and Children, 30^th March, 2006.

3. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed to write to the Tánaiste requesting details of when the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE will be fully staffed and also to provide an organisation chart giving details of who to contact in each area.

In Public Session

3. Discussions with officials from the Department of Health and Children and the HSE, regarding the out of hours GP Service for North Dublin.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tadhg O'Brien, Assistant National Director, Dublin/North-East, Mr. Pat O'Dowd, Assistant National Director (Contracts), Mr. Sean McGuire, Assistant to CEO of the HSE and Mr. Fergal Goodman, Principal Officer, Department of Health and Children and asked Mr. Goodman to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.07 am until 9.30 am on 25^th May 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

18^th May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 25th May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 09.31 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn, and Terry Leyden (in part substitution for Camillus Glynn)

Apologies were received from Deputy John Moloney

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 18^th May last were agreed.

In Private Session.

9. Correspondence.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• A letter from Sineád McCann, clerk to the sub Committee on European Scrutiny, referring to the decisions taken on the 18^th May, 2006.
• Letter from Michael Scanlan, Secretary- General, agreeing to come before the Joint Committee on the 22^nd June to report on the progress of the Travers Report.

4. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed to send copies of future presentations made to the Committee to the relevant sections of the Department of Health and Children and the HSE seeking their comments.

In Public Session

4. Discussions with the Irish Medical Council on issues of concern.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. John Hillery, President of the Medical Council, Dr. Colm Quigley, Vice-President of the Medical Council, Professor Muiris Fitzgearald, Chairman of Education and Training Committee of Medical Council, Mr. John Lamont, Registrar, Dr. Lynda Sisson, Director of Competence Assurance and Ms. Margo Topham of the Medical Council to the meeting and asked Dr. Hillery to commence his presentation

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.40 am until 9.30 am on 25^th May 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

18^th May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 8^th June 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R3, Leinster House 2000 at 9.34 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Mary Henry and Terry Leyden (in substitution for Camillus Glynn.

Deputy Bill Timmins was also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liam Twomey

In Public Session

3. Discussions with the Sudden Cardiac Death (in the Young) Support Group.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Mary Vasseghi, Ms. Monica Martin, Ms. Jane Williams, Ms. Ann Simpson. Dr. Mahon, Consultant Cardiologist and Mr. Giffney, Clininal Training Specialist in Resuscitation and Trauma to the Meeting and asked Ms. Vasseghi to commence her presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation. The Committee agreed to invite in officials from the Department of Health as a follow up to this presentation.

4. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 25^th May last were agreed.

In Private Session.

5. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• A letter from Orla Hardiman, Director of Neurology, requesting an opportunity for the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Irish Society for Quality and Safety in Healthcare, to make a submission to the Health and Children Committee. The Committee agreed to invite this Institute in to make a submission some time in the Autumn Session.
• A letter from the Irish Medical Organisation, regarding a motion passed at the organisations AGM concerning the National Treatment Purchase Fund in relation to the increase in funding given to the National Treatment Purchase fund without a corresponding increase in output. The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department of Health and the HSE for their views on this issue.
• A letter from Cecilia Keaveney, TD, referring to a request made by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland to appear before the Joint Committee for Health and Children. The Committee agreed to write to Deputy Keavening informing her that it will be some time in the autumn session when this group will be invited in to make a submission to the Committee.
• A letter from the group, MRSA and Families, requesting to make a further submission to the Joint Committee for Health and Children. The Committee Agreed to invite MRSA and Families in to make another presentation when it will have its update on MRSA issues from the HSE in the Autumn Session.
• A letter from Dr. Diarmuid Smith, Consultant Endocrinologist/Diabetologist, referring to Diabetes Care in Ireland. The Committee agreed to write to Dr. Smith informing him that the issue of diabetes care was raised with the Tánaiste at her last appearance before the Committee. The Tánaiste informed the Committee that the HSE are setting up an expert advisory group on diabetes. It was also agreed to write to the HSE requesting in update on the issue.
• An e-mail from Mr. John Cummins, Chairman of B.E.S.T, enquiring on the position the Joint Committee will be taking with regards to the adverse side effects of Electromagnetic Radiation. The Committee heard an oral presentation from this group in February last. Following this presentation the Committee agreed to write to COMREG for their views on the issue. Following receipt of a submission from COMREG the Committee agreed that it did not intend to examine the issue further at that time. The group was informed of this decision on 27^th April, It was agreed to inform Mr. Cummins of this decision again.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• A letter from Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary for An Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, referring to the letter from the Joint Committee for Health and Children on the Parlimentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive.
• An information pack from the Sudden Cardiac Death Support Group in advance of the Joint Committee for Health and Children for Health and Children on Thursday, 8^th June.
• An e-mail from Mr. Paul Kelly, Director, FDII, accepting the invitation to make a presentation to the Joint Committee on Health and Children, 6^th July.
• An Invitation to the Launch of a Report, “Making Diabetes Count. A systematic approach to estimating population prevalence on the island of Ireland in 2005”. The Launch will take place on Monday 12 June 2006, in the Royal College Physicians of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 at 10.30 a.m.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.50 pm until 9.30 am on 19^h January 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

8 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 22^nd June 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Beverly Flynn and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney. Terry Leyden and Peter Callanan (in part substitution for Camillus Glynn).

Apologies were received from Senators Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 25^th May last were agreed.

In Private Session.

4. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• A letter from Triona McNamara, Consultant Orthodontist, in relation to the Orthodontic services in Ireland. The Committee agreed to forward a copy of this letter to the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive seeking their views.
• A letter from Carole Nealon, Manager, Meningitis Fund, requesting the opportunity to come before the Joint Committee on Health and Children to discuss the importance of the Dept. of Health making a Pneumococcal vaccine called Prevenar available on the childhood immunisation schedule. The Committee agreed to request a written submission from this group in the first instance.
• A letter from a Pharmaceutical group referring to the Drug Payment Scheme. TheCommittee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department of Health and Children for their views.
• An invite to a Suicide Conference in Slovenia, 9-12^th September. The Committee agreed to send 3 members of the Committee to this conference. Deputies Paudge Connolly, Dan Neville and John Moloney.
• A letter from Mr. Michael Hearne, requesting the committee to arrange for the facility for Disabled people at St. Vincent's Center, Lisnagry, Limerick to be opened immediately. Apparently a six unit complex with day care facilities was completed in January 2004. The complex is only partly opened and no funding is being provided by the HSE. The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the HSE asking the reason no funding is being provided for the operation of this complex.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• A letter from Ms. Sinead McCann, Clerk, Sub Committee on European Scrutiny, on decisions taken on 8^th June. No Proposals have been referred by the Sub Committee to the Joint Committee for Health and Children.
• A letter from Ms. Mary Vasseghi, Chairperson, Sudden Cardiac Death in the Young Support Group, referring the Joint Committee meeting on 8^th June.
• An Email from Linda Learmouth, Legal Section, Dept. of Health and Children forwarding the Statutory Instruments, S.I. 245, 306 and 307 of 2006.

5. Draft Report on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society.

Members were circulated with a copy of the Draft Report on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society. The Report, as amended, agreed. It was agreed to have a formal launch of the report on Wednesday 5^th July at 3.00 p.m.

5. Any Other Business.

The Committee agreed to arrange a site visit to the Head Office of the Health Services Executive in Naas, County Kildare during the summer recess.

In Public Session

3. Discussions with Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Department of Health and Children on the implementation of the recommendations contained the Report on the Report on Certain Issues of Management and Administration in the Department of Health and Children associated with the Practice of Charges for Persons in Long-Stay Care in Health Board Institutions and Related Matters..

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, Mr. Dermot Smith, Assistant Secretary, Ms. Frances Spillane, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Peter Lennon, Assistant Principal Officer to the Meeting and asked Mr. Scanlan to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Officials for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.03 pm until 9.30 am on 28 June 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

22 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 28^th June 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, John Gormley, Dan Neville, Fiona O'Malley, Beverly Flynn and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Mary Henry and Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputy Charlie O'Connor

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 22^nd June last were agreed.

6. Correspondence.

This item was dealt with in Private Session

7. Draft Report on the Report on Assisted Human Reproduction.

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.02 am until 12.30 pm on 4 July 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

28 June 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 4^th July 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 12.31p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Liz McManus, Liam Twomey, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley,

and

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney, Mary Henry and Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputies: Beverly Fylnn and Dan Neville.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 28^nd June last were agreed.

7. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• A letter from The Irish Wheelchair Association referring to Core Funding or mainstreaming for Services provided through Community Employment. The Committee agreed to forward a copy of this letter to the Department of Health and Children supporting the case for immediate funding for these services.

7. Draft Report on the Report on Assisted Human Reproduction.

The Committee resumed its discussion on the Draft Report.

The Committee agreed to meet again to discuss the report on Thursday 6 July 2006

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 1.32p.m. until 09.30a.m on 6^th July 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

4^th July, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 6^th July 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Fylnn, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Liam Twomey, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley,

and

Senators: Fergal Browne, Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Senator Mary Henry.

3. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• E-Mail from Ms. Sinead McCann, Clerk to the Sub-Committee on EU Scrutiny COM(2006) 234 (Final); Amended proposal for a Decision of the European and of the Council establishing a second Programme of Community action in the field of Health (2007-2013). Adaptation following the agreement of 17 May 2006 on the Financial Framework 2007-2013. The Committee agreed to further scrutinise this proposal.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Statutory Instruments Nos 320, 333 & 338. Noted? Noted!

8. Any Other Business

In Public Session

9. Discussion on the Marketing of Foods to Children.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Janet Morrissey

David Kennedy

Maureen Mulvihill

Margot Brennan

Geraldine Quinn

Muireann Cullen

An asked Ms. Mulvihill to commence her presentation. A questions and

answer session ensured following which the Chairman thanked the delegation their presentation.

10. Discussion on the Marketing of Foods to Children.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Paul Kelly, Director, Food & Drinks Industry Ireland and Mr. Ciaran Fitzgerald, Meat Indusry Ireland to the meeting and asked Mr. Kelly to commence his presentation.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for attending the meeting.

11. Draft Report on the Report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction.

The Committee resumed its discussion on the draft report.

The Chairman circulated a letter to the Committee from An Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children stating that she had instructed officials in her Department to prepare legislation for a specific scheme of statutory regulation of assisted human reproduction.

The Committee agreed to seek more detail from the Tánaiste. The Committee also agreed await the outcome of the ongoing court case and to seek advice in relation to the judgement when it is made.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 02.09p.m. until September '06.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

4^th July, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 28^th September 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 9.39 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor, Fiona O'Malley and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Deputies James Breen, Caoimhghin O' Caoláin and Cecilia Keaveney were also in attendance

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 6^th July last were agreed.

In Public Session

4. Discussion with the Minister for Health and Children and Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, Health Service Executive on important Health Issues.

The Chairman welcome the Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney, T.D., and Professor Drumm and their Officials o the meeting and asked the Minister and Professor Drumm to make their opening statements.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Minister for Health and Children and Professor Drumm for giving the Committee such an informative and comprehensive presentation.

In Private Session.

7. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from GROW requesting an opportunity to come before the Joint Committee for Health and Children. The Committee had previously agreed to invite this group in to make a presentation and a meeting has been arranged for 7 December next.
• Letter from Food and Drink Industry Ireland requesting another opportunity to come before the Joint Committee for Health and Children to have a more comprehensive discussion on the related topic. It was agreed that the Clerk inform Mr. Kelly that the Committee are dealing with a number of priority issues at present however will return to the issue at a later stage
• Letter from the Public Accounts Committee enclosing correspondence from Ms. Deirdre Carroll, Chief Executive Officer Inclusion Ireland regarding the Comptroller and Auditor Generals Value for Money Report No 52 – Provisions of Disability Services by Non – Profit Organisations. It was agreed thatthe Clerk write to Ms. Carroll informing her that the Committee are dealing with a number of issues at present but would welcome a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter from Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney T.D. concerning the National Health Consultative Forum 2006. The Chairman informed the Committee that the deadline date for the receipt of nominations for this consultative forum was 17 August last. The Members nominated for consideration for appointment were Jimmy Devins, Charlie O'Connor, Liz McManus, Camillus Glynn and Fergal Browne. The Clerk circulated an estimate of the cost of sending the five nominees to this Forum on 12 October next which was agreed
• Letter from Marcella Gavigan, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, requesting an opportunity to come before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. The Chairman informed the Committee that Muscular Dystrophy Ireland have been invited in to make a presentation on 26 October next.
• A letter from the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland requesting an opportunity to come before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. The Committee agreed to invite this group to get an update on progress on the CF Working Group.
• Letter from Mr. John Cummins, Chairman, B.E.S.T. expressing his concerns about the possible hazardous impact Electromagnetic rays could have on the publics health. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write back to Mr. Cummins and inform him that a copy of his submission will be forward to the Department of Health and Children seeking their views
• Letter from Dr. Richard Firth, consultant Physician/Endocrinologist, requesting an opportunity for the Diabetes Federation of Ireland to come again before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. The Committee agreed to invite Dr. Firth to come before the Committee again,
• Invitation from Alojz Peterle, to attend the “United Against Camcer” Summit Roundtable of Chairs of Parliamentary Health Committee from EU and CEE region Ljubljana, Slovenia 3-5 November 2006. The Committee agreed to decide who would attend this summit at its next meeting.
• Letter from Dympna Mc Callion, requesting that the Committee to write to the relevant Officals or Minister in the Department of Health and Children in relation to the fact that the Irish Osteoporosis Society will have to close, in the next couple of months due to lack of funding, the society has received no funding for 2006 and in 2005 they only received half the allocated/promised funding due to the reorganisation of the Health Boards to HSE. The Committee agreed that the clerk write to the Minister for Health and Children in relation to this issue.
• Letter from Helen Jackson, Manager, Galway Centre for Independent Living, expressing her concern of the use of FAS Community Employment Schemes to provide basic core services to people with disabilities. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Ms. Jackson and inform her that this Committee wrote to the Department of Health and Children in July last in relation to this issue and that we will forward her the response when it is received.
• Letter from Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO, HSE, responding to correspondence from the Joint Committee relating to Mr Michael Hearne, Lisnagry Parents & Friends Association. The Committee agreed to forward a copy of this correspondence to Mr. Michael Hearne.
• Letter from Dr. Jacinta McElligott, consultant in rehabilitation Medicine requesting an opportunity to make a presentation to the Committee in relation to rehabilitation services in acute hospitals, inpatient services and community services. The Committee agreed that the Clerk write to Dr. McElligott informing her that the Committee are dealing with a number of priority issues at present but would welcome a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter from Professor Denis A. Cusack, Head of Subject in Forensic & Legal Medicine, regarding the report on the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society. The Chairman informed the Committee that the Clerk has forwarded a copy of this letter to Dr. Siobhan Barry the consultant who assisted in the preparation of the report, seeking her response to the issues raised by Prof. Cusack.
• Letter from Liz McManus regarding the Blood Borne Virus Forum seeking to make a presentation to the Committee on the Hepatitis C epidemic. The Committee agreed to invite this group in to make a presentation.
• Email from Maria Raffery on behalf of John McCormack, CEO, the Irish Cancer Society, requesting a meeting with the Joint Committee on Health and Children to discuss increasing the price of cigarettes in this years budget. The Committee agreed to invite this society in to make a presentation on this issue.
• Email from Deputy Liam Twomey, requesting that the Joint Committee on Health and Children urgently arrange a meeting to discuss the two recently reports in relation to the old North Eastern Board region, The Teamwork Report and the Report into The Death of PJ Walshe. It was Agreed to keep this item on the agenda for the next meeting.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Report of working Group Set up by the Tánaiste in March, 2006 to examine the nature and extent of Haemochromatosis in Ireland and to advise her on the actions necessary to address the problems caused by Haemochromatosis.
• An Information Pack from the National Heart Alliance and The Irish Heart Foundation, providing further information on their presentation to the Joint Committee on Health and Children, 6^th July.
• Documents in relation to the Finnish Presidency including information from the Website of Finland's EU Presidency and Information in relation to the ASEM 6 Summit 10^th – 11^th September 2006.
• Letter from Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary for An Tánaiste and Minister for Children, Mary Harney T.D., thanking the Committee for the letter concerning Core Funding or Mainstreaming for Services provided through Community Employment and letting the Committee know that it is receiving attention.
• Letter from Ms. Sylvia Kelly, Assistant Principal, Acute Hospitals Division, referring to the Letter sent by the Committee to Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, seeking costings of procedures issued by the National Treatment Purchase Fund as against the comparative costs in the public health service. The letter states that the data requested is being currently collated and will be forwarded to the Committee as soon as it is available.
• Letter from Ms. Anne-Marie Fahy, Clerk, Joint Committee on European Affairs which encloses the following Statutory Instruments; No. 369 of 2006, SI No. 373 of 2006 and SI No. 374 of 2006.
• Letter from Ms. Sinéad McCann, Clerk to the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, referring to COM(2006)175 .
• Email forwarded from Mary Maddock concerning UN convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Letter from Paul Mooney, Private Secretary for Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., responding to the letter sent by the Joint Committee for Health and Children expressing their dissatisfaction with the current medical/disability criteria to qualify for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme.
• Report, “Building for Inclusion? Housing Output Part V of the Planning and Development system”, from Focus Ireland's latest research into how the housing needs of low income and other households at risk of homelessness.
• Invitation to The Irish Association of Suicidology's Annual Conference “Women's Health and Suicide”, in the West County Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare, 29^th -30^th September '06.
• Letter from Bernie Ó Tramh, concerning an article printed in a newspaper relating to AHR.
• Statutory Instrument No. 333 of 2006.
• VHI Healthcare Annual Report and Accounts 2006.
• Statutory Instrument No. 412 of 2006.
• Letter from Colm Desmond, Principal, Primary Care II, Department of Health and Children, acknowledging the receipt of the letter of 22^nd June 2006, to the Secretary General concerning the Drugs Payment Scheme.
• 2005 Annual report for the National Women's Council of Ireland.
• Statutory Instrument No. 411 of 2006.
• Letter from MRSA & Families Network concerning their presentation to the Joint Committee for Health and Children.
• Letter from Chairman, John Moloney, responding to previous correspondence from the Pro – Life Campaign group.
• Letter from O2 enclosing a copy of the 2006 Corporate Responsibility (CR) report.
• The Irish Hospice Foundation Annual Report 2005.
• Letter from the Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney T.D., in relation to Legislation to replace the Medical Practitioners Acts 1978 to 2002.
• A report from The Institute of Public Health in Ireland, “Making Diabetes Count.”.
• Letter from Frances Whealan, Chairperson of Irish Chronic Pain Association, confirming that the Irish Chronic Pain Association will attend the Joint Committee meeting, Thursday 26^th October, 2006.
• Letter from Breaking Through, confirming their attendance to the Joint Committee meeting on Health and Children, Thursday 9^th November, 2006.
• Invitation from The Organisation, wonderful Copenhagen and The Royal Danish Embassy, to participate in a childcare Study Trip to Denmark.
• Invitation from MEAS to attend the seminar, “The Cultural and Social Aspects of Alcohol”. The Seminar will be hald on 18^th October 2006 in the Royal Academy, Dawson Street, at 10.00 a.m.
• Letter from Patricia Doran, Public Bills Office stating that the deadline for receipt of amendments to Bills is now 4 days prior to the date scheduled for the consideration of the Bill.
• Letter from the HSE regarding the correspondence they received by the Joint Committee on Health and Children, from Triona McNamara, Consultant Orthodontist.
• Letter from Deputy Charlie O'Connor, highlighting his serious concerns about the future of the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght.
• Invitation to Action for Equity conference, Organised by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland, on 17-18 October, Four Seasons Hotel, Carlinford, Louth.
• Annual Report 2005, from Combat Poverty Agency.
• SI No. 479 of 2006, Health Act 2004 (National Health Consultative Forum Appointment of Members) Order 2006.
• COM(2006)316, Green Paper on the role of civil society in drugs policy in the European Union.
• Letter from Dympna Butler, Principle Officer, Acute Hospitals Division, Department of Health and Children, replying to a letter in relation to a general motion passed by the IMO at its AGM in relation to the NTPF.

22. Any Other Business

Members have been circulated with a draft report of a trip to New York & Boston from 31^st May to 2^nd June last to attend the 2006 High Level Meeting on Aids and to look at the Universal Health Insurance Scheme Bill recently passed in Massachusetts primary healthcare system in Spain. I propose that the report is laid before both Houses in accordance with Standing Orders. Agreed? Agreed!

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 3.32p.m. until 09.30a.m. on 5^th October, 2006

John Moloney TD

Chairman

5^th October, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 5^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 09.30a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Fylnn, Jimmy Devins, John Gormley, Liz McManus , Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley,

and

Senators: Fergal Browne, Senator Mary Henry, Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liam Twomey

Deputies James Breen, Paddy McHugh and Senators Michael Brennan and Peter Callanan were also in attendance.

Correspondence.

• Email from Deputy Liam Twomey, requesting that the Joint Committee on Health and Children urgently arrange a meeting to discuss the two recently reports in relation to the old North Eastern Board region, The Teamwork Report and the Report into The Death of PJ Walshe. The Committee agreed to invite the authors of the two reports to a future Committee meeting.
• Letter from Chairman, enclosing two letters from Tadhg Daly, CEO, The Irish Nursing Homes Organisation Ltd. dated 8^th. Sept. and 31^st. May, 2006, requesting an opportunity to address the Joint Committee on Health and Children on the subject of the review of Nursing Homes legislation and the development of national minimum standards for Nursing Homes. The Committee agreed to invite Mr. Daly in to make a written submission in the first instance.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Invitation from Alojz Peterle, to attend the “United Against Camcer” Summit Roundtable of Chairs of Parliamentary Health Committee from EU and CEE region Ljubljana, Slovenia 3-5 November 2006.
• Invitation from the EU Framework VI ‘Europe for Patients' research project to attend a Conference in Belgium from 25-27^th. Oct. 06, examining Cross Borders co-operation.
• Letter from Orla Hardiman, Director of Neurology, confirming that she will attend the Joint Committee on 7^th December.
• Correspondence in relation to the 5^th General assembly of the World Scout Parliamentary Union in Senegal from 27 – 30 November 2006.
• Legislative Programme for the next Dáil Session.

12. Any Other Business

Deputy Paudge Connolly proposed that the Committee write to Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO of the HSE requesting him to withdraw comments he had made at the Joint Committee meeting of 5 October last. It was agreed to defer this issue until the next meeting of the Joint Committee.

The Committee agreed to invite Bodywhyse in to a

In Public Session

13. Discusssion with ‘MRSA and Families’ regarding issues relating to MRSA.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Noeleen Friel

Tony Kavanagh

Dr. Ronan Fawsitt

Theresa Graham

Margaret Dawson

David Power

And asked the Group to commence their presentation. A questions and

answer session ensured following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

7. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 10.57a.m. until 12^th October '06.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

12^th October, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 12^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.38a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Fylnn, Liz McManus , Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley,

and

Senators: Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Jimmy Devins and Senator Fergal Browne.

Deputy Mae Sexton was also in attendance.

5. Correspondence.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• Correspondence from Dr. Breda McLeavey, Principal Psychologist & Clinical Neuropsychologist, Cork University Hospital enclosing preliminary results of a large scale trial of a new treatment programme for deliberate self harm.
• Letter from the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen TD, referring to the Governments steps to improve the effectiveness of the Expenditure Review Initiative and to facilitate greater engagement with this process by the Oireachtas and its Select Committee.

14. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed that Senator Geraldine Feeney be appointed to the sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals. A revised draft orders of reference of the sub-Committee was also agreed.

At last weeks meeting the Committee agreed to invite the authors of the two reports: Report into the death of Mr. Patrick J Walsh which was conducted by Mr. Declan Carey, of Belfast City Hospital and Professor John RT Monson, University of Hull. And Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards, An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East Conducted by Teamwork management Services who are based in England.

As these authors are based in Belfast and England the Committee agreed, if requested, to pay their expenses for attending a meeting of this Committee.

In Public Session

15. Discussion with the National Association for Deaf People on the Introduction of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening.

The Chairman welcomed the following to the meeting:

Bernard Daly

Niall Keane

Brendan Lennon

And asked the Group to commence their presentation. A questions and

answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 10.40a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 26^th October 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

26^th October, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 26^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, John Gormley Liz McManus , Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley,

and

Senators: Mary Henry and Fergal Browne.

Apologies were received from Deputy Jimmy Devins and Senator Geraldine Feeney.

Deputy Mae Sexton was also in attendance.

6. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Email from Ms. Triona McNamara referring to her previous correspondence on the issue of Orthodontics. Ms. McNamara is a consultant orthodontics who is expressing concern at the on-going dysfunction within the orthodontic services nationally. The Committee agreed to invite the relevant officials from the Department of Health and Children to a future meeting of the committee to discuss the issue,

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Mr. Paul Flanagan, Dept. of Health and Children, in relation to the provision of funding to the Irish Osteoporosis Society.
• Letter from Ms. Sineád McCann, Clerk to the Sub Committee, concerning the decisions taken at the sub committee on European Scrutiny meeting, 12^th October 2006.
• Statutory Instrument No. 505 and 506 of 2006.
• Letter from the Clerk Ray Tracey, enclosing the Disability Act 2005, Sectoral Plan for the Department of Health and Children and the Health Services, July 2006.
• Drugnet Ireland newsletter, Autumn 2006 issue. (Available on request from the Committee Secretariat.)
• Letter from Mr. Con Colbert, IERVN, requesting a report to be complied by the Joint Committee on the issue of electromagnetic radiation.
• Invitation from Glaxo Smith Kline to the Joint Committee on Health and to Children to participate in a dialogue on “Protecting Europe's Health through Vaccines”, which will take place on Tuesday 7^th November at GSK Biologicals Headquarters in Rixensart, Belgium. Noted? Noted!
• Email from Professor John Monson stating that he is unable to attend the Joint Committee meeting on Health and Children to discuss the “Report into the death of Mr. Patrick J. Walsh” at 09.30a.m. on Thursday 16^th November.
• Letter from Social Services Inspectorate replying to a request for information on the development of national standards of children's residential facilities. Includes National Standards for Children's Residential Centres, The National Standards for Residential Care for Children and the Social Services Inspectorate annual report 2004. (all available on request from the committee secretariat).

7. Oireachtas Scrutiny of EU Proposals.

The Committee agreed Draft Reports 13 -17.

In Public Session

5. Discussion with the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland to discuss research advances in the potential treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Joe Mooney, Director, Ms. Karen Pickering, Information Officer, Mr. Hubert McCormack, Administrator, Ms. Kate Power, Respite Co-Ordinator, Mr. Jim Mooney, Member and Dr. Matthew JA Wood, Member of UK MDEX Consortium to the meeting and asked the Group to commence their presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

2. Discussions with the Chronic Pain Association on the needs of chronic pain sufferers.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Frances Whelan, Chairperson, Ms. Gina Plunkett, Vice Chairperson, Mr. Michael Bohill, Mr. Tony Chambers and Mr. Eugene McGinn to the meeting and asked the delegation to commence their presentation of the needs of chronic pain sufferers.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.11a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 9^th November 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

9^th November, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 9^th November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, Liz McManus , Liam Twomey, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley.

and

Senators: Camillus Glynn and Fergal Browne.

Apologies were received from Senator Mary Henry.

8. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Mr. Michael Finneran TD, regarding the request of Ms. Marcella Gavigan to invite Muscular Dystrophy Ireland to come before the Joint Committee on Health and Children. The Committee agreed to Deputy Finneran informing him that Muscular Dystrophy Ireland made a presentation to the Committee on 26^th October last.
• Letter from Ms. Heather Cody, Liz Moffatt and Sheila Ferris, regarding the charity, The Soft Voice. The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department of Health and Children seeking their views.
• Email from Chris Fitzgerald PO Dept. of Health requesting the committee to defer the meeting arranged to discuss progress in implementing the report on the public Orthodontics Service, until the working group established by the HSE publishes its report. The Committee agreed top defer the meeting until the report has been published.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Inclusion Ireland, National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability enclosing a Budget Submission for 2007 to the Government, which sets out the groups views on future funding for intellectual disability services.
• Invitation from Combat Poverty Agency and the Children's Research Centre, to attend a conference on “Children Living With Poverty and Disadvantage”, Wednesday 22^nd November in Croke Park Stadium, Dublin.
• Letter from Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary to the Minister of Health and Children, thanking the committee for their letter requesting the introduction of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and informing the committee that it is receiving attention.
• Letter from the National Centre for Technology in Education, enclosing a DVD and book entitled, “Engaging Learners: Mobile Technologies, Literacy and Inclusion”.
• Letter from Mr. Noel Davern, TD, Leader of the Parliamentary delegation to the parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, enclosing a copy of the report, “Psychiatric Diagnosing and Drugging of Children in Ireland”, received during the plenary session of the Assembly, Strasbourg, 2-6 October 2006.
• Letter from Sinéad McCann, Clerk, regarding the decisions taken on the 26^th October by the Sub Committee on EU Scrutiny.
• Letter from The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, concerning their attendance to the Joint Committee meeting, to take place on 30^th November.
• Letter from Anne Winslow, Chief Executive of MS Ireland enclosing the Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, Pre-Budget Submission 2007, for attention of the Joint Committee.
• Letter from Dympna Butler, Principle Officer, Acute Hospitals Unit, Department of Health and Children, replying to the Joint Committees letter to Michael Scanlan, Secretary General, seeking procedures carried out by the National Treatment Purchase Fund as against the comparative cost in the public health service. The Committee agreed to arrange a meeting to discuss the National Treatment Purchase Fund with the NTPF and the Department of Health and Children.
• Invitation from the North Fingal ADD/ADHD Parent and Adult Support Group to the Joint Committee to attend Surviving ADD/ADHD Group Conference, on 18^th November, Carnegie Court Hotel, Swords, Dublin.
• Email from Linda Learmouth, concerning the SI 547 of 2006.
• Pre-Budget Submission from Combat Poverty Agency.
• S.I. No 552 of 2006.

16. Any Other Business

Travel Proposal

The Joint Committee agreed an estimate of the cost of sending Members of the sub-Committee on Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals to London to meet with Members of the Health Committee on the House of Commons who published a report on the issue last year.

In Public Session

6. Discussions with the National Spinal Injuries to discuss additional resources for the National Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Frank McManus, Mr. Ashley Poynton, and Mr. Keith Synnott to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation on the additional resources for the National Spinal Injuries Unit in the Mater Hospital.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

7. Discussion with the Breaking through Network on the issue of funds for resourcing a National Directory of Youth at Risk Service and the establishment of a Peer to Peer Support Programme.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Paul Flynn, Vice Chairman, Mr. James O'Leary, Treasurer, Mr. Karl Mc Gealy, South West Representative and Ms. Marie Halligan, National Developing Officer to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation on the on the issue of funds for resourcing a National Directory of Youth at Risk Service and the establishment of a Peer to Peer Support Programme.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.11a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 16^th November 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

16^th November, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 16^th November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R3, Leinster House 2000 at 09.31 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, John Gormley, Liz McManus , Fiona O'Malley, Liam Twomey, Dan Neville, and Charlie O'Connor.

and

Senators: Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Fergal Browne.

Deputies James Breen and Seymour Crawford were also in attendance.

9. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Email from Triona McNamara concerning the report being constructed by the HSE on Orthodontics and requesting that she be invited to the meeting to be arranged to discuss the implementation of the report. The Joint Committee agreed to invite Ms. McNamara and also Dr. David Hegarty to the meeting

The Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Letter from Mr. Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary of the Minister for Health and Children in relation to Universal Newborn Hearing Screening.
• Invitation from Josephine Scott, Executive Officer, Irish Association of Suicidology, to attend the 3^rd Annual Training Seminar and 6^th National Conference “Suicide Prevention: School as Place of Healing” in the Sligo Park Hotel on the 29^th , 30^th of November and 1^st of December.
• Letter from Sinéad Mc Cann, Clerk to the Sub Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning the decisions taken 9^th November 2006. Noted? Noted!

17. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed to invite the Author of the Leas Cross Report Prof. Des O'Neill to a meeting of the Joint Committee

The Committee agreed to invite Mr. Aidan Browne of HSE regard the issue of the suspension of new admissions to five nursing homes.

The Committee agreed to invite Mr. Michael Scanlan, Secretary General and the relevant officials of the Department of Health and Children involved in preparing the legislation for a specific scheme of statutory regulation of assisted human reproduction.

In Public Session

1. Motion re MRSA.

The Committee considered the following Motion tabled by Senator Fergal Browne:

‘That the Joint Committee on Health & Children calls on the Minister for Health and Children to bring forward amendments to update sections 29, 30, 31, 39 and 52 and or other relevant sections of the 1947 Health Act to take account of modern hospital acquired infections including MRSA. And the Joint Committee renews its call for the appointment of a National Director of Infection Control, as agreed at the Joint Committee meeting of 5 October last.”

Following a debate on the Motion the Joint Committee agreed the Motion.

2. Discussions with Teamwork Management Services on the Report entitled “Improving safety and Achieving Better Standards An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Martin Dove and Mr. John Saunders of Teamwork Management Services to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation on the Report entitled “Improving safety and Achieving Better Standards An Action Plan for Health Services in the North East”

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

3. Discussions with the Irish Cancer Society on the issue of the Increase in cigarettes in the forthcoming budget.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John McCormack, CEO, Ms. Norma Cronin, Health Promotion Manager – Tobacco Control and Ms. Jane Curtain to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation on the on the issue of the increase in cigarettes in the forthcoming budget.

A questions and answers session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Finance supporting the Irish Cancer Society's call for an increase in the price of cigarettes.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.52 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 22^nd November 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

16^th November, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 22^nd November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.32 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Beverly Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus , Liam Twomey, Dan Neville, and

and

Senators: Geraldine Feeney and Fergal Browne.

Apologies were received from Deputies: John Moloney, Charlie O'Connor and Senator Henry.

Deputy Breeda Moynihan Cronin was also in attendance.

10. Correspondence.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

Letter from Alice Kearney, Private Secretary for Government Chief Whip & Minister of State concerning Supplementary Estimates.

18. Any Other Business

The Committee agreed the work schedule for the remainder of the year.

In Public Session

19. Discussions with Health Service Executive regarding the suspension of new admissions to five nursing homes.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Aidan Brown, National Director of Primary, Community and Continuing Care Services, Mr. Noel Mulvihill, Local Health Manager, Dublin North Central, Cate Hartigan, Assistant National Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Paschal Moynihan, Director of Older Peoples Services and Ms. Mary Culliton, Head of Consumer Affairs to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.30 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 23^rd November 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

23^rd November, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 23^rd November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.34 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Beverly Flynn, Fiona O'Malley, Liam Twomey and Dan Neville.

Senator Fergal Browne.

Apologies were received from Deputy, Charlie O'Connor and Senator Henry.

Deputy John Curran was also in attendance.

11. Correspondence.

The Committee noted the following correspondence:

• Report of the Working Group on Post Mortem Practice.
• Letter from Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary, Department of Health and Children, acknowledging the letter received from the Joint Committee concerning the National Spinal Injuries Unit.
• Letter from Rachel O Donohue, Secretary Office, Department of Health and Children, concerning the Resolution on MRSA issues, passed by the Joint Committee on 16^th November.
• Letter from Rachel O Donohue, Secretary Office, Department of Health and Children, acknowledging the Joint Committees invitation to Secretary General, Mr. Michael Scanlan, to come before the Committee on Tuesday 12^th December.

In Public Session

8. Discussions with Brainwave, Irish Epilepsy Association on the substitution of epilepsy branded drugs by generics.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Mike Glynn, CEO and Ms. Ava Battles, Director of Services to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation and the Committee agreed to forward the presentation made to the Minister for Health and Children.

9. Discussion with Dail na Nóg on the issue of Facilities for Young People.

The Chairman welcomed Jessica Kelch, Ashley Dennigan, Daniel Flanagan, Rudi Corcoran and James T. Doyle, Aidan Carr and Stephen Carr to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.06 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 30^th November 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

30^th November, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 30^th November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 09.30 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick , John Gormley, Liz McManus, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry .

Apologies were received from Deputies: Liam Twomey and Dan Neville and Senator Geraldine Feeney.

Deputy Fergus O'Dowd and Senator May White were also in attendance.

In Private Session

12. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Correspondence from the Breaking Through Network requesting that copies of their recent presentation to this Committee be forwarded to the committees on Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on Education & Science and Social & Family Affairs. The Committee agreed to forward a copy of the submission these Committees.

In Public Session

13. Discussions with Professor Des O'Neill on the Leas Cross Report.

The Chairman welcomed Professor Des O'Neill, and Mr. Paschal Moynihan, Director of Older Peoples Services, HSE, to the meeting and asked Professor O'Neill to commence his presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Professor for his presentation.

14. Discussions with Mr. Sean Power T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children on the Leas Cross Report.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Sean Power, Minister of State at the Dept. of Health and Children and his Officials, to the meeting and asked him to commence his presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the Minister of State for his presentation

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 12.22 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 7^th December 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

7^th December, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 7^th December 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 09.33 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Jimmy Devins, Beverley Flynn, John Gormley, Liz McManus, Dan Neville and Charlie O'Connor.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry .

In Private Session

15. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Correspondence requesting that Consultant Rheumatologists be invited to come before the Committee to update it on the current and future needs of the rheumatology services. It was agreed to request a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter from Carole Nealon, General Manager, Meningitis Trust, requesting an opportunity to come before the Joint Committee to discuss the issue of vaccination for children. It was agreed to request a written submission in the first instance.
• Letter from Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics Ireland requesting an opportunity to come before the committee to make a presentation. It was agreed to request a written submission in the first instance.

4. Work Programme

The Committee agreed its Work Programme for the Winter Spring Session.

In Public Session

10. Discussions on Neurological Services in Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Orla Hardiman of the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Ms. Mags Rogers of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and Mr. Fearghal Grimes of the Irish Society of Quality and Safety in Healthcare to the meeting and asked Dr. Hardiman to commence her presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation and assured the delegation that the Committee would take this issue up with the Minister for Health and Children on her next appearance before the Committee.

11. Discussions with GROW on mental health issues in Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Mike Watts, National Program Coordinator, Mr. Jim Mc Sweeney, National Chairperson, Ms. Ruth Barror, National Executive Officer and Ms. Michelle Kerrigan, Financial Controller to the meeting.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation and assured the delegation that the Committee would take this issue up with the Minister for Health and Children on her next appearance before the Committee.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 11.42 p.m. until 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday 12^th December 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

12^th December, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 12^th December 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 02.38 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Jimmy Devins, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly Liz McManus, Charlie O'Connor and Fiona O'Malley; and

Senator Mary Henry .

Apologies were received from Deputy John Moloney and Senator Fergal Browne

Deputy Joe Callanan was also in attendance.

In Private Session

16. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Seán Love, Executive Director, Amnesty International enclosing a copy a report entitled “Action Briefing: Mental Health Policy” (Available from Committee Secretariat on request). Also requesting an opportunity to meet with the Committee at its earliest convenience. The Committee agreed to write to Mr. Love informing him that the Committee are dealing with a number of priority issues at present but would welcome a written submission in the first instance.

The Committee noted the following correspondence



• Report entitled “Water Fluoridation in Ireland” submitted by Deputy John Gormley
• Letter from Mr. Paul Flanagan, Private Secretary to the Minister for Health and Children informing the Committee that the resolution passed by the Committee in relation to MRSA has been noted.
• Letter from Michael Scanlan informing the Committee that he will be unable to attend the meeting of 12 December in relation to Assisted Human Reproduction. The Committee agreed to write to Mr. Scanlan informing him of the Committee's dissatisfaction at his non-attendance at todays meeting to discuss Legislation relating to AHR
• Letter from the Office of the CEO of the HSE acknowledging receipt of the resolution passed by the Committee in relation to MRSA and advising that is has been referred to Dr. Patrick Doorley, National Director, Population Health for his attention.

17. Any Other Business.

The Committee agreed to write to the HSE regarding the situation with consultants posts which have been sanctioned but not yet filled.

In Public Session

12. Discussions with Officials from the Department of Health and Children regarding legislation on the regulation of Assisted Human Reproduction.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Fergal Goodman, Princiapl Officer, Ms. Colette Bonner, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Mr. Liam McCormack, Assistant Principal Officer to the meeting and asked Mr. Goodman to commence his presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 3.54 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 14^th December 2006.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

14^th December, 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Minutes of 14^th December 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 9.36 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: John Moloney, (in the chair), Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins, Dermot Fitzpatrick, John Gormley, Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Liam Twomey

Senators: Mary Henry, Fergal Browne, Camillus Glynn and Geraldine Feeney

Apologies were received from Deputy Liz McManus

Senator Paul Coughlan was also in attendance.

In Private Session

18. Correspondence.

The Committee considered the following correspondence:

• Letter from Dr. Michael Power of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland regarding the current state of ICU Services nationally and requesting to make a submission to the Committee on the issue. The Committee agreed to invite the Intensive Care Society of Ireland in to a future meeting of the Committee.
• Summary of requirements for a responsive neurology service from the Irish Society for Quality & Safety in Healthcare, Neurological Alliance of Irealnd and the Irish Institute of Clinical Neurosicence which the Committee requested following the presentation made on Thursday 7 December last. The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department of Health and Children and the HSE for their views.

In Public Session

13. Discussions with the Blood Borne Virus Forum on the Hepatitis C Epidemic.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Jean Flanagan, Ms. Naomi Glover, Ms. June Colgan, Mr. Thomas Cumberton, Mr. Michael King and Ms. Olivia Carr to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation.

A questions and answer session ensued following which the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.

6. Adjournment.

This meeting was adjourned at 12.16 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Thursday 11^th January 2007.

John Moloney TD

Chairman

11 January, 2007

APPENDIX 12

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society

Minutes of 21^st March 2006

1. The Sub Committee met in private session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 14:24 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies John Moloney (in the chair) and Dan Neville.

Senator Camillus Glynn.

Apologies were received from Deputy Paudge Connolly

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 29^th November 2005 were agreed.

Private Session

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 3:58 pm until Tuesday 25 April 2006

John Moloney, T.D.,

Chairman,

21 March, 2006.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the High Level of Suicide in Irish Society

Minutes of 3^rd May 2006

1. The Sub Committee met in private session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 14.05 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies John Moloney (in the chair) Dan Neville, Charlie O'Connor and Paudge Connolly.

Senator Fergal Browne.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 21^st March 2006 were agreed.

Private Session

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 15.31p.m.

John Moloney, T.D.,

Chairman,

3^rd May, 2006

APPENDIX 13

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 9 May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 14.30 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins and Liam Twomey.

Senators Camillus Glynn.

In Public Session.

3. Election of Chairman.

Deputy Paudge Connolly was elected as chairman of the Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals and took the Chair. The Sub-Committee then agreed to go into Private Session.

In Private Session.

4. Work Programme of the Sub-Committee.

The Chairman then explained that the Sub-Committees purpose is to address the issue on behalf of the Joint Committee and report back to it with a series of concrete recommendations.

The sub-Committee discussed the issue of who to invite into make oral presentations. The following groups were cited as possibilities.

1. Ms. Nuria O'Mahony Holistic Action Group/Mindfreedom Ireland
2. Pharmaceutical Industry, both manufacturing and sales and marketing.
3. Irish Medical Board
4. Medical Council
5. Prof. John Crown, Vincents Hospital, Dr. Feely, James Hospital
6. Dr. Terry Lynch GP, Limerick
7. Department of Health and Children.

It was agreed that the sub-Committee place an advertisement in the National Newspapers seeking writing submissions from interested parties. The sub-Committee would then decide who to invite.

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 14.50 pm.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

9 May 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 27^th June 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 02.32 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Paudge Connolly, Jimmy Devins and Liam Twomey.

Senators Camillus Glynn.

In Private Session.

3. Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

4. Work Programme of the Sub-Committee.

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 02.53 pm.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

7 September 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 7^th September 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 02.03 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Jimmy Devins (Acting Chair) and Ned O'Keeffe (in part substitution for Jimmy Devins).

Senators: Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Geraldine Feeney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Paudge Connolly and Liam Twomey.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 27^th June last were agreed.

4. Correspondence

This item was dealt with in Private Session

5. Tender Proposals.

This item was dealt with in Private Session

6. Work Programme of the Sub-Committee.

This item was dealt with in Private Session

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 02.11 pm.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

10^th October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 10^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R4, Leinster House 2000 at 02.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Paudge Connolly (in the Chair), and Jimmy Devins.

Senators: Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry, Geraldine Feeney, Peter Callanan (in substitution for Camillus Glynn) and Kieran Phelan (in part substitution for Geraldine Feeney)

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 7^th September last were agreed.

7. Correspondence

The Committee Noted the following correspondence:

• E-Mail from Ms. Nuria O'Mahony enclosing the Future of Drug Safety: Action Steps for Congress.

8. Consultant.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Jim Dorgan of Curtin Dorgan Associates who has been commissioned to assist the Sub-Committee in preparing a draft report on the issue and who will attend all future meetings of the sub-Committee.

6. Presentation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Ronan Quirke, President, Ms. Kate Mulvenna, Vice President, Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin, Registrar and Mr. Matthew Lynch, Assistant Registrar to the meeting and asked them to commence their presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation to giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

7. Presentation by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John McLaughlin, President, Ms. Anne Nolan, Chief Executive, Mr. John Stinson, Medical Director, and Ms. Leonie Clarke, Consultant to the meeting and ask them to commence their presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation to giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 04.12 pm. Until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday next 17 October 2006.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

17^th October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 17^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 02.32 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Paudge Connolly (in the Chair), Jimmy Devins and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Camillus Glynn, Mary Henry and Peter Callanan (in part substitution for Senator Glynn)

Apologies were received from Senator Geraldine Feeney,

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 10^th October last were agreed.

9. Correspondence

The Committee Noted the following correspondence:

• Email from Nuria O'Mahony, referring to an article that appeared in the Irish Times titled, “The greatest child abuse of our time is the mass drugging of our children”.

6. Presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals by Mindfreedom Ireland.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Nuria O'Mahony, Dr. Michael Corry, Mr. Basil Miller, Ms. Mary Maddock, and Mr. Gregory White to the meeting and asked Ms. O'Mahony to commence her presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation to giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

7. Presentation by Mr. John McCarthy on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John Mc Carthy, to the meeting and asked him to commence his presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 04.31 pm. Until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 31^st October 2006.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

31^st October 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 31^st October 2006

1. The sub-Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 02.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Paudge Connolly (in the Chair), Jimmy Devins and Liam Twomey.

Senators: Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry.

Deputy Jim Glennon was also in attendance

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 17^th October last were agreed.

10. Correspondence

The sub-Committee considered the following correspondence

• Email from Nuria O'Mahony regarding the case of a gentleman who hanged himself after being on Lexapro for a few days. The sub-Committee agreed to seek legal advice as to whether it has a function in relation to this correspondence.

The sub-Committee noted the following correspondence:



• Article on the impact of Antithrombotic Therapy on Neurosurgical Emergency Referral Load. Noted.
• Email from Nuria O'Mahony attaching her previous correspondence to the following people:

The Irish Medicines Board.




Minister Micheál Martin




Minister of Health and Children, Mary Harney




Dr. David Healy, Dept. of Psychological Medicine




GlaxoSmithKline Inc




Professor Patricia Casey, Mater Hospital. Noted.



• FDA Public Health Advisory document sent in by Nuria O'Mahony concerning, Worsening Depression and Sucidality in Patients being treated with antidepressant medications.
• FDA Public Health Advisory document sent in by Nuria O'Mahony concerning, Suicidality in Children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
• FDA Public Health Advisory document sent in by Nuria O'Mahony concerning, Suicidality in Adults being treated with antidepressant medications.
• Supplementary notes for Nuria O'Mahoney's presentation to the Sub Committee on Thursday 17^th Oct '06.

5. Travel Proposal

The sub-Committee agreed to travel to London to meet with the Members of the House of Commons Health Committee who published a Report on the Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry in 2005 and instructed the Clerk to make the necessary arrangements.

6. Presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union.

The Chairman welcomed Ms.Liz Hoctor, Vice President, Mr. Darragh O'Loughlin, Treasurer, Mr. Seamus Feely, Secretary General and Ms. Pamela Logan, Professional & Business Manager to the meeting and ask them to commence their presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation to giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

7. Presentation by the Irish medicines Board on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pat O'Mahony, Chief Executive, Dr. Joan Gilvarry, Director of Human Medicines and Dr. Brendan Buckley, Member of Irish Medicines Board & Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Human Medicines to the meeting and asked the delegation to commence their presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked the delegation for giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 04.35 pm. Until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 7^th November 2006.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

7^th November 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND CHILDREN

Sub-Committee on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals

Minutes of 7^th November 2006

1. The sub-Committee met in public session in Committee Room R1, Leinster House 2000 at 02.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Paudge Connolly (in the Chair), and Jimmy Devins.

Senators: Geraldine Feeney, Camillus Glynn and Mary Henry.

Senator Kieran Phelan was also in attendance.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meetings held on the 31^st October last were agreed.

11. Correspondence

The sub-Committee considered the following correspondence

• Mr. Jim Dorgan our consultant has circulated an outline of the Report

5. Travel Proposal

At last weeks meeting we agreed to a travel proposal to visit the House of Commons to meet with Members of the Health Committee in discuss their Report entitled “The Influence of the Pharmaceutical Industry”. The Chairman of that Committee has agreed to meet us at 11 a.m. on Tuesday 28^th or Wednesday 29^th of November. Which of these dates would members like to travel to London?

The Clerk will make the necessary arrangements.

6. Presentation by Dr. Orla O'Donovan, Department of Applied Social Studies, University College Cork.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. O' Donovan and asked the her to commence her presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked Dr. O'Donovan for giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

7. Presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals by Mr. Martin Henman, co-Ordinator of the Centre for the Practice of Pharmacy, University of Dublin, Trinity College.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Martin Henman, co-Ordinator of the Centre for the Practice of Pharmacy, University of Dublin, Trinity College to the meeting and asked him to commence his presentation on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals.

A questions and answers session ensued following the Chairman thanked Dr. Henman for giving such a comprehensive presentation and answering the questions raised by Members.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 04.28 pm.

Paudge Connolly, T.D.,

Chairman,

^th November 2006

^*Liam Twomey (FG) replaced Olivia Mitchell (FG) on 20^th October, 2004

^**Senator Fergal Browne (FG) replaced Senator Frank Feighan (FG) on 20^th October, 2004

^***Charlie 0'Connor (FF) replaced Batt 0'Keeffe (FF) on 17^th November, 2004

^****John Moloney elected chairman 17^th November, 2004

^*****Jimmy Devins elected vice-chairman 17^th November, 2004

^******Paudge Connolly TD (Ind) replaced Jerry Cowley (Ind) on 4^th October 2005