‘Topical Issues’

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Speech by Minister James Reilly,  Minister for Health on a Topical Issue Debate regarding HSE services 

I am taking this topical issue on behalf of my colleague, Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister with responsibility for Mental Health issues.  I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter for discussion today.

HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the Community Mental Health Service and Primary Care.  Individuals with eating disorders frequently present to the primary care practitioner with complications of their condition and early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes.  The HSE has developed a Mental Health in Primary Care accredited training programme with Dublin City University for primary care practitioners, with a view to enhancing the capacity of primary care to recognise, assess and treat a range of mental illnesses, including eating disorders, within the primary care setting.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Speech by Minister Kathleen Lynch T.D.,  Minister of State at the Department of Health on a Topical Issue Debate regarding  Community First Responders

I will be responding on behalf of the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly.  I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and for the opportunity to discuss the recent policy developments associated with it.

Community response in various forms has long been an important support in the delivery of healthcare in Ireland, and in particular in pre-hospital care for people who have been unfortunate enough to suffer serious illness or injury. I would like take this opportunity to acknowledge the enormous voluntary contribution, commitment and assistance, offered by various schemes, in responding to emergency calls over the years. Read the rest of this entry »

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Speech by Minister Roisin Shortall T.D.,  Minister of State at the Department of Health on a Topical Issue Debate regarding the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic.

I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter as it provides me with an opportunity to outline to this House the importance of the issue raised.

In response to the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic, the HSE procured two vaccines, Pandemrix® (GlazoSmithKline) and Celvapan® (Baxter). The HSE, with the approval of my Department and the Department of Finance, indemnified the suppliers from and against loss and damage in respect of any claim. This was the arrangement for all European countries.  Read the rest of this entry »