by:badmin
Fine Gael Cork Senator, Colm Burke, has welcomed the publication today (Tuesday) by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, of guidance for Irish couples on surrogacy arrangements made abroad.
Senator Burke questioned the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, last week at the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on this issue in light of the number of Irish people that are arranging for children to be born through surrogacy, in particular in the Ukraine, India and the US.
“The guide, published today, will give certainty to what is an extremely complex issue. The decision to have a child through surrogacy is one that is not taken lightly and every effort must be made to eradicate any issue that may further complicate the process for the parties involved.
“Safeguarding the interests of the child in question and ensuring that all of the appropriate procedures are adhered to when taking a child born through foreign surrogacy home to live in the Irish State must be a priority. This guidance document, which deals with issues relating to citizenship, parentage, guardianship and travel documentation for the child, will ensure that there is no doubt about what is legally expected of the parents and what needs to be done.
“In view of the number of Irish people that are arranging for children to be born through foreign surrogacy, a comprehensive document set out in black and white will dispel the legal fears and insecurities of many.
“Minister Shatter has said he intends to develop legislative proposals in this area in collaboration with the Department of Health, giving consideration to practical experiences and developments in the law of other jurisdictions. This will come as a welcome relief to many prospective parents who are hoping to extend their families in this way but are unsure of what lies ahead.”
by:badmin
More money spent on healthcare in 2011 than received in income tax
Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has said significant challenges lie ahead in terms of staffing and budgetary constraints where the healthcare sector is concerned but that the Government is intent on meeting these challenges head on.
“In 2011, the total healthcare spend amounted to €13.4 billion. This was greater than the total amount collected in income tax the same year, which amounted to €13.3 billion. The healthcare budget for 2012 is €13.3 billion; an indication that Government is serious about maintaining services despite current budgetary constraints.
“The Department of Health faces serious budgetary challenges in the years ahead which the Minister intends to meet through a radical restructuring of the healthcare system and the ultimate aim of introducing universal health insurance for all.
“The most demanding health care sectors in 2011 included; the primary care (medical card services) scheme (€2.4 billion), the National Hospitals Office (€5.2 billion), older people (€1.6billion) and persons with disabilities (€1.3 billion). The HSE is currently in the process of finalising detailed service plans at regional level and which will take account of the effect of the reduction in both staff numbers and budgets, as well as the service areas identified for priority development under the National Service Plan.
“The Service Plan for 2012 provides for the recruitment of 400 staff for mental health services on foot of the additional €35m expenditure. The replacement of some staff in primary care will offset the impact of staff losses and, in some very limited exceptions, to the on-going recruitment embargo. There is also a firm commitment to reduce the employment of agency staff in 2012 by up to 50%.
“If we are to maintain services, it is essential that we get value for money at every level of our health system. The Minister’s approach will ensure that every cent of the healthcare budget is spent in the best possible way and that our healthcare system delivers for all citizens.”
by:badmin
Fine Gael Senator Colm Burke for Cork North Central today Thursday, said the provisions contained in the Finance Bill 2012, on changes to the Universal Social Charge and mortgage interest relief, are aimed at alleviating the pressure on those most in need and rebalancing the scales in favour of fairness.
“The publication of the Finance Bill 2012, gives effect to the targeted measures announced in this year’s Budget. Contained within the Bill is a provision to increase mortgage interest relief to 30% for first-time buyers who purchased their homes between 2004 and 2008.
“This measure will have a significant impact on many families and young people in Cork North Central, who bought during the peak and are now mired in negativity equity. This was a pre-election promise made by Fine Gael, which formed part of the Programme for Government, that the naysayers said couldn’t be done. Fine Gael has long recognised the plight of the negative equity generation and I am delighted that the Minister for Finance has been able to deliver on this commitment, despite the difficult economic situation.
“Changes to the Universal Social Charge, the exemption threshold for which has been increased from €4,004 to €10,036, will remove 330,000 people from the tax net and put much needed money back in their pockets.
“The mistakes of the past, in respect of our heady love affair with property, can never be allowed to happen again. However, every country should have a functioning property market that contributes to Exchequer funds. For this reason, the Minister has included a provision for mortgage interest relief to be available at 25% for first-time buyers who purchase in 2012 and at a rate of 15% for non-first-time buyers. This will encourage those in Cork North Central who are hoping to get on the property ladder, or to move house, to do so this year.
“The Government is working hard to clean up the mess created by Fianna Fáil over the last decade. The Personal Insolvency Bill, the heads of which have been published recently, together with the targeted and effective measures contained in the Finance Bill, will help to alleviate the pressure on those in negative equity and lower paid workers in Cork North Central while offering a stimulus to those hoping to own their own home.”
by:badmin
Today (Thursday), Fine Gael Seanad Spokesman for Health, Senator Colm Burke has welcomed the roll out of the first national electronic GP referral system. This new roll is delivering on thousands of patient referrals for breast, prostate and lung rapid access services in the designated cancer centres.
“The primary objective of this new system is to eliminate the use of GP referral letters and faxes for the purposes of referring patients. The introduction of this new online system demonstrates the Department of Health’s commitment to modernising and improving out healthcare system.
“This is very welcome news for referral patients and it will lead to quicker appointments, as the system will ensure reductions in waiting times. It will also mean that patient records will be more easily accessible for Doctor’s as all of the documentation will be available online.
“By the end of 2011, the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) reported that 10% of all referrals were being carried out online.
“The system enables any of the country’s GP’s to send a referral by electronic means to cancer clinics and receive a reply within five days, with patient appointments confirmed within two weeks.
“In the near future, I hope that this system can be utilised for all referrals to Consultant’s in other health care areas such as orthopaedics, obstetrics, gynaecology and geriatrics.
“In August 2011, I called for an electronic patient medication card to be introduced for patients in Ireland. This card is very successful in Denmark. Healthcare providers can upload information onto a secure and shared record system, accessible by way of the Patient Medication Card, allowing a GP, for example, to upload details of a medical prescription, which pharmacists can then access and fill on demand. This would significantly improve the quality of patient – doctor consultations.
“While major progress has been made in Ireland’s hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies, we should now plan long term in coordinating the work of all those involved in the health care area”, he concluded.
by:badmin
Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has said the Personal Insolvency Bill published this week will give a vital lifeline to distressed mortgage holders and those overwhelmed by personal debts. The Heads of the Bill was published by Ministers Alan Shatter and Michael Noonan this week, and it is hoped it can be published in its legislative form by the end of April.
“The key element of this proposed new legislation is that it will allow people to remain in their own homes while getting on top of their financial affairs. People right across Cork North Central have been desperately in need of for some form of help to allow them to get on top of a growing mountain of debt that for many average homeowners has gotten out of control. Trying to honour large mortgage repayments on reduced incomes mean these people are often left with next to nothing once the bills are paid.
“The Government wants to help these people and others like them, who are unable to cope with their debts. Under the provisions of the Personal Insolvency Bill, a number of arrangements will be made available, whereby a portion of personal or mortgage debt may be written off, as part of a repayment plan. Debt Relief Certificates will help out people with smaller debts, of less than €20,000, while Debt Settlement Arrangements can be reached for larger mortgage loans.
“This means that the Bill will help not only those in mortgage arrears, but also those who are utterly overwhelmed by credit card bills, car loans and overdrafts. The final element of the legislation is the reformed bankruptcy arrangements, which will reduce the period of time that a person will be considered bankrupt from 12 to 3 years.
“A Personal Insolvency Service will be set up to administer the new regime, with insolvency trustees appointed to liaise with creditors on behalf those in debt. This will hopefully help to alleviate some of the stress associated with trying to reach agreement with banks and other creditors. The Government has said it hopes to have the full legislation published by the end of April, and I hope the Service can be set up as soon as possible after that.”
by:badmin
26% of Irish people binge drinking with home drinking on the rise
Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Health, Senator Colm Burke, welcomed the publication of the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee’s Report on the Misuse of Alcohol and other Drugs.
“An EU study published in 2010 identified that in Ireland 26% of people were found to binge drink; that is to have five or more drinks in a single sitting. Nineteen per cent were found to consume between five and six drinks in a single sitting and 5% between seven and nine drinks. This compares with an EU 27 average of 10% of drinkers who typically binge drink when they consume alcohol.
“I welcome the Joint Oireachtas Health Committee Report which addresses key problem areas associated with alcohol consumption in Ireland such as the prevalence of drug use, treatment, hazardous and binge drinking, the economic costs associated with alcohol misuse and the marketing and pricing of alcohol.
“During the compilation of the report, I made a submission stating that one of the big changes that has occurred in Ireland over the last five years is the move away from drinking outside the home to drinking in the home. This has been caused by the growth of the off-licence industry and the availability of alcohol for purchase in local supermarkets and garages.
“While we have made an impact on the drink driving problem, in so doing, we have created another problem.
“This report aims to bring about a change in attitudes towards the misuse of alcohol by illustrating the huge personal and economic costs caused by hazardous drinking. A menu of measures is required to change our attitudes and behaviour towards the consumption of alcohol in Ireland.
“The World Health Organisation has defined binge drinking as having five drinks or more on at least one occasion. An EU study published in 2010 looked at attitudes towards alcohol across EU countries and found that Irish people drink less frequently than the EU average; that is when looking at drinking habits daily. It found however that Irish people are more likely to drink 2-3 times a week, once a week or 2-3 times a month.”
by:badmin
Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Health, Senator Colm Burke has today highlighted European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which takes place from the 22nd January to the 28th January, with awareness events taking place nationwide.
“I fully support the Irish Family Planning Association and CervicalCheck’s combined efforts to actively raise awareness about cervical cancer. All women aged between 25 and 60 should be strongly encouraged to get a smear test done.
“Cervical cancer takes a long time to develop and often has no symptoms until an advanced stage. It has been proven that regular screening can save lives by detecting any abnormalities at an early stage.
“Statistics show that every year around 300 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer and sadly over 90 lives are lost.
“Cervical cancer ranks as the 8th most frequent cancer among women in Ireland, and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age. Since young teenagers are categorised in the high risk group, it is vital that information is provided to them in Secondary schools.
“By responding to screening programmes, such as CervicalCheck we can significantly reduce Ireland’s mortality rate of cervical cancer.
“If everyone encourages their female friends and relatives to book an appointment for a smear test during this awareness week this could save in excess of 90 lives in 2012”, he concluded.
For more information on cervical check visit www.cervicalcheck.ie or phone 1800 454555
by:badmin
Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Health, Colm Burke today highlighted the findings of the National Breast Screening Report for 2010 – 2011.
“Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Ireland and has the second highest mortality rate. Nearly 2,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland each year according to the BreastCheck Report.
“BreastCheck provides a free and confidential service to women aged between 50 – 64. Women will receive their first appointment to attend a check-up within two years of becoming known to the programme”, he stated.
“In the event that breast cancer is detected, Breastcheck aims to fully explain the treatment available, encourages the patient to involve relatives and friends on decisions relating to treatment and seeks to have the patient admitted for treatment within three weeks of diagnosis.
“The outcome of first screens conducted by the HSE in the Southern region showed that; over 17,000 women were screened, there were 154 cancers detected and the number of cancers detected per 1,000 women screened was 9.1.
“The main findings of the Report nationally showed that during 2010 and 2011;
- BreastCheck invited 167,088 women for screening.
- Over 120,730 women attended their screening appointment.
- 814 breast cancers were detected.
- For 46,405 women it was their first BreastCheck mammogram.
- The number of women that attended their breastcheck appointment exceeded the Programme’s target.
“Medical research in the US has shown that 85%of breast cancer occurs in women that have no family history of breast cancer. Screening can save lives and it is imperative that women keep their appointments when BreastCheck when they are issued”, he concluded.
For more information on the BreastCheck programme visit www.breastcheck.ie or phone 1800 45 45 55.
by:badmin
Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, and former MEP for Ireland South, Colm Burke, today (Monday) highlighted the 12 month time frame until Ireland officially takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, outlining the opportunity it will provide for Ireland to set the European agenda.
“Denmark has just taken up the Presidency with the four fundamental priorities for their Presidency stated as creating a responsible, dynamic, green and safe Europe. With just 12 months to go before Ireland takes up the mantle, preparations are already underway here for our Presidency in 2013.
“Since joining the European Union in 1973, Ireland has hosted the Presidency on six occasions. Next time around will be of particular significance, owing to the fact that our hosting of the Presidency from January 2013 to June 2013 inclusive will also mark the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the European Union.
“The mandate for a Member State’s EU Presidency includes planning and chairing the meetings in the Council of the EU and underlying bodies. it is the responsibility of each host country to move the work of the Council forward and create results. It must also ensure cooperation among Member States and formulate compromise proposals that can gather support. Thus, the host Member State must act in its capacity of an honest and neutral broker.
“Secondly, the Presidency represents the Council in its dealings with the other EU institutions, not least the Commission and the European Parliament. This entails, among other things, the Presidency representing of the 27 Member States in negotiations with the Commission and the European Parliament.
“As one of the smaller Member States in the 27 EU Block, it will present a unique opportunity for Ireland to set the agenda for the European Union and to prioritise legislative and non-legislative issues of importance to be tackled in a collective, community manner.
“On the 6th May 2004, ten new Member States acceded to the European Union and Ireland was central to this as we hosted the Presidency at the time. Ireland’s 2013 Presidency will be in conjunction with Lithuania and Greece and the Irish Government will have a central role to play during the six months period. I look forward to the contributions, proposals and achievements that will be made during this time. I am confident that the Minister for EU Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, will be an excellent and highly capable ambassador for our country during the upcoming Presidency and I look forward to working with her during that time.”
by:badmin
Fine Gael Cork North Central Senator, Colm Burke, has said movement by the VHI on its refusal to provide cover at the new Mater Private Hospital in Mahon would help to free up much needed space in public hospitals in Cork. Senator Burke made his comments in light of the very high occupancy levels at a number of Cork hospitals.
“The occupancy rate in Cork University Hospital (CUH) for 2010 was 103%, while both the Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Hospital had occupancy levels of 86% and 80% respectively.
“The extremely high occupancy rate for CUH demonstrates the commitment of staff at the hospital, who are providing the best health care possible under considerable pressure. But it also highlights the need for the development of new hospital facilities in the Cork region, or better use of existing resources.
“In light of the reconfiguration services in Cork, there is a likelihood that occupancy levels in the Mercy Hospital and the South Infirmary will increase to the same levels as CUH.
“A substantial number of patients with private health care insurance are being catered for in CUH, the Mercy and the South Infirmary. Meanwhile, the new private hospital in Mahon lies unused, with four new operating theatres lying idle.
“It is a 75-bed facility with latest generation operating theatres and interventional cardiac equipment, together with high-end CT and MRI scanners. But an impasse has developed because while Quinn and Aviva have agreed to provide cover, the VHI is refusing to do so.
“The Mater Private has advised the VHI that they are prepared to quote 6% under the rate that the Bons Secours currently charge. I have filed a complaint with the Competition Authority regarding the refusal of VHI to provide cover for this new hospital. The occupancy figures for CUH, the Mercy and the South Infirmary are further proof that there is room for this hospital in Cork and a need for competition in the health care area.
“It also underlines the fact that the VHI should not be allowed to restrict the further extension of medical facilities in this region.”
