‘Topical Issues’

Speech by Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health:   I wish to thank Deputy Kelleher for raising this matter.  Under the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, including Disability services.  

As the Deputy is aware, the HSE Service Plan for 2012 sets out a reduction of 3.7% in funding for disability services. However, the Service Plan states that at least 2% of this should not impact on services and needs to be generated from other savings and increased efficiencies. The HSE is involved in ongoing collaborative work with the National Consultative Forum on Disability, which includes representative organisations and agencies from the Disability Sector.  Read the rest of this entry »

Speech by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch:   I will be taking this Debate on behalf of my colleague Deputy James Reilly, Minister for Health.  Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin wishes to apologise for any discomfort for both patient and parents caused by the need to reschedule the patient’s surgery.  The Deputy will be pleased to know that the hospital has confirmed a proposed admission date for this patient of 15^th February 2012.  The hospital has indicated it will take into account the previous cancellations when allocating beds within the hospital tomorrow.  Read the rest of this entry »

Speech by Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health:  I would like to thank Deputy Nulty for raising this issue for discussion today.  The mental health of the population plays a vital role in the vibrancy and economic life of the country. Therefore, investing in promoting positive mental health and in early intervention is not only an investment in the individual’s quality of life but also in that of his or her family and even much wider in the global status of the nation. Read the rest of this entry »