Michael Healy-Rae
Question:642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding health research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51528/12]
View answerTuesday, 20 November 2012
Questions (642)
Written answers
Much is being done in Ireland regarding research and innovation and the growth and jobs agendas. In this regard the Action Plan for Jobs (2012), and the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group, were published this year. The aim is to target public investment towards research based on potential for economic return, particularly in the form of jobs; and protecting as much current employment while also creating jobs in new areas of opportunity.
I continue to stress that while the economic benefit of research is extremely important, it is imperative that the critical importance of research for policy and research for knowledge is recognised and supported. Knowledge derived from research is paramount in providing the evidence-base for better health policies and systems; systems that underpin effective and efficient health service provision. Such evidence will be a key input to the creation of a fairer, more efficient health system.
In acknowledging the potential for research to support economic growth and job creation, I consider that the economic and societal agendas are not necessarily mutually exclusive. The interaction and interdependence between research for health and research for economic purposes are evident in the research and innovation objectives supported by my Department.
In 2009 the Action Plan for Health Research 2009-2013, prepared by the Health Research Group was launched. The plan is in the implementation phase and Subgroups/Work Streams established under the Health Research Group are progressing the actions therein. The main purpose of the HRG, which is chaired by my Department, is to ensure that health research in Ireland is coordinated, prioritised, and focussed, and that national policies and strategies for health research are framed strategically in the context of the wider science, technology and innovation agenda.
The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Health. The HRB is the lead agency in Ireland supporting and funding health research. It provides funding, maintains health information systems and conducts research linked to national health priorities. The aim is to improve people's health, build health research capacity and make a significant contribution to Ireland's knowledge economy.
A robust clinical research infrastructure and established capacity and expertise are essential in developing and delivering health care. Through strategic investment, the Health Research Board (HRB), funded by my Department, is developing infrastructure, expertise, and capacity to create an integrated framework for clinical research in Ireland. This will not only improve patient outcomes, peoples health and health service delivery, but will support growth and jobs here in Ireland. I opened a Clinical Research Facility in Cork earlier this year which is funded by the HRB. In addition to this investment in Cork, the HRB is funding the establishment of two facilities in Dublin and Galway. The Wellcome Trust is co-funding the build in Dublin. These three facilitates will network together using standardised practices and procedures in clinical research conduct thereby greatly increasing Ireland’s appeal as a country of choice for performing large-scale multinational clinical research studies.
The Health Information Bill, which my Department is progressing, will provide for a range of measures including facilitating a uniform approach for ethics approval for multi site health research projects, not already otherwise governed by statutory regulation and EU law. It is expected that the Health Information Bill will be ready for publication by mid 2013.
During the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union key legislative proposals on Clinical Trials and Medical Devices will be progressed.
My Department is also represented on the Prioritisation Action Group (PAG), established by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and chaired by Minister Sherlock to progress the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group. It is evident that while much of the work being progressed in the area of health research may not necessarily lead to direct commercial opportunity, it can complement and support the work of other sectors in the economy.
Senior officials in my Department recently had a very positive meeting with representatives of the organisation mentioned by the Deputy at which health research policy was discussed.