6 Feabh 2014, 17:06
Committee also discussed how to advance needs of victims of Troubles
6 February 2014
The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement this morning was told of a number of important advances in developing cross border cooperation for healthcare. However, a number of voices, while acknowledging the positive work underway, said that much more needed to be done to facilitate access to healthcare, particularly for those living along the border.
The Committee was meeting with Department of Health Officials to assess how cross border access to healthcare can be advanced. The Committee was also given details of important new EU directives on access to health care in other EU countries, which are scheduled to be transposed in Ireland in the coming months.
The Officials also briefed the Committee on current North/South cooperation in the area of health and outlined patients' rights under EU legislation to cross-border healthcare.
Chairman of the Committee Joe McHugh TD says: “We thank Department Officials for their detailed and constructive engagement on advancing healthcare cross border. The Committee was told that a new state of the art radiotherapy centre, one-third funded by the Irish Government, will be opened at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry in 2016 to serve a catchment area of 500,000 people in the Northwest. The assistance and cooperation of Altnagelvin following the serious flooding of Letterkenny hospital was also instanced.
“Committee members expressed concern at the so far sporadic access to cross-border emergency, GP and hospital services, and called for the vigorous implementation of plans to provide such services. However, they were pleased to learn of pilot projects to allow Inishowen and South Armagh residents access out of hours GP services on the other side of the border. The provision of specialist medical care on an all-island basis was also discussed. The practical cooperation undertaken at Ministerial and Official level to curb alcohol misuse and in the area of suicide prevention was also praised. The Committee appreciates the goodwill both North and South to work constructively, and in a non-partisan manner, to deliver healthcare improvements for citizens on both sides of the border.”
Separately, the Committee met with Kathryn Stone OBE, the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, on her work in giving a voice to victims and survivors of the Troubles.
Deputy McHugh continues: “The Committee Members praised Commissioner Stone for the even-handed approach she has taken to support victims and survivors of the Troubles. In a stirring presentation, she told us that there could never be ‘a hierarchy of pain’ when dealing with the past. As a Committee, we are acutely aware of how the trauma of the Troubles continues to impact on lives across the island. The lack of access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas, was raised as a concern.
“The Committee welcomes the particular emphasis on the needs of victims during the Haass talks, and takes on board the Commissioner’s request to ensure all parties be supported in ensuring the Haass proposals come to full fruition.”
Ends
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Members of the Committee:
Deputies: Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Peter M Fitzpatrick, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Michael P Kitt, Joe McHugh (Chair), Joe O’Reilly (Vice-Chair), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Brendan Smith, Joanna Tuffy and Jack Wall
Senators: Maurice Cummins (Leader of the House), Jim D’Arcy, Mary Moran and Mary White