Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Carlow-Kilkenny · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“There is nothing any of us in this House can say that can undo the pain, harm and loss experienced by those young boys, their families and the communities in which they lived, played basketball and worked. They have had to endure a lifetime of harm, many of them carrying their suffering in silence.”
“We are listening to you, we are learning and we are acting. All of us in this House have a responsibility to ensure that our child safeguarding systems are robust. We must ensure that if concerns are raised today, they are acted on without delay.”
“Today is a profoundly important and solemn day. I want to add my voice to the full and formal State apology and to acknowledge the courage, dignity and perseverance of those survivors who fought for truth and accountability for so many years.”
“I thank the Deputy for highlighting this very important issue and the 161 recommendations. First, I thank the Joint Committee on Drug Use for its work. I welcomed the report and I am in agreement with many of its recommendations. As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year I published a draft of the national drugs strategy.”
“The Bill and the secondary legislation, training and clinical protocols that will follow it will support the terms and conditions for this service, as laid out in the community pharmacy agreement. All secondary legislation will be in place before commencement and launch of this measure.”
“No. I thank the Deputy again for her work on the drugs committee. The vast majority of the 161 recommendations will be in the new drugs strategy but one of the recommendations was on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It falls under section 3. That legalises drugs. It is important we tell the people of the concern.”
The complete record
Every one of 977 lines we hold for Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 18 of 20.
“We have an excellent track record of being at the vanguard of introducing public health measures and legislation to protect our children and young people from health-harming substances. Our public health legislation on tobacco and alcohol control and restrictions is well regarded by many countries. This Private Members' Bill sets out draft legislation to introduce restrictions on the promotion and sale of stimulant drinks. These are non-alcoholic drinks containing a mix of both caffeine and other stimulating substances, better known as energy drinks. My understanding is that the Senator is concerned about the mental health and behavioural impacts as well as the impact on academic performance. I certainly do not oppose in principle the intent behind the submission of this Bill.”
“I thank Senator Keogan for her Private Members' Bill and all the Senators who have spoken. I also welcome our visitors from the Irish Heart Foundation. Their work on this issue and the public health issues relating to obesity and sugar-sweetened drinks is crucial. We have included them in our consultation in the new obesity plan. I thank them. It is very important that they are here today. I have no doubt that we are all in agreement that protecting our children from consumption of substances that can be harmful to their health, either in the short or the long term, is necessary. The discussion today has been very helpful and has given me a good understanding of the range of concerns Senators have about the potential harmful impact of stimulant drinks on our children and young adults.”
“All of us can, whether it be through funding or whatever way we can and through the small things, make those changes. Let us ensure National Biodiversity Week is more than a moment of awareness. Let it be a springboard for sustained action and a commitment to leaving the natural world healthier, richer and more resilient than we found it. We have to think of our children and the future and to make sure we look at this. However, as we get out to enjoy the nature in this wonderful period of sunny weather, please do not light fires, including barbecues, take the time to properly dispose of cigarettes butts and please bring home your waste. Remember that nature is home to our wildlife and plants. Leave them as you find them for everyone to enjoy.”
“In recent years, we have seen the fruits of the investment by the Government with a significant growth in action being taken to support and maintain our biodiversity. While the NPWS has been central to this work, it also relies heavily on collaboration with communities and landowners. People spoke about farmers today and the issues of ACRES and dry stone walls were raised. I can confirm that the National Parks and Wildlife Service will engage, as a matter of urgency, with the Department of agriculture on this very issue. I believe that was brought up earlier as well. When we talk about our communities, landowners, farmers and recreational land use, it is all a collaborative response to our biodiversity crisis, and we have a crisis. We have our challenges. I know Senator Noonan has been highlighting this for a long time but we are aware.”
“A lot of progress has been made in recent years to support biodiversity, in particular through the efforts of the NPWS and an executive agency under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Senator Boyhan mentioned city and county biodiversity officers. I know this initiative has had a huge positive influence. I know that in areas that did not previously have biodiversity officers, those officers have done amazing things like writing local biodiversity plans, conducting research surveys and data collection, providing advice to local authority staff on biodiversity, facilitating community engagement and raising awareness. While such changes may seem small, they are not - they are a huge game changer in the sense that we need to work on biodiversity.”
“I mentioned Carlow-Kilkenny all of the time when I was here. There will be a focus on bees, pollinators, trees, woodlands, rivers and water quality, etc. The staff at Kilkenny Castle give tips to gardeners on growing wildflowers and supporting pollinators. Walks and other initiatives are important. I could go on all day about places like Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. It is important for everyone to highlight their own area, to let people know what can be seen and done, and to explain how we can promote these places and make people aware of them. I am a firm believer that awareness is the key to many things. It is important to inform even a few people about something important that is happening. We have spoken about the challenges. Funding is challenging.”
“It is very clear from the contributions that the issues of biodiversity and our natural heritage are of great importance to this House. We must take action and provide greater investment to halt the loss of biodiversity and work towards a more sustainable relationship with the natural world. I encourage everyone here to take the opportunity to visit a national park, a nature reserve or a protected area during National Biodiversity Week to witness at first hand the excellent work being done to protect and enhance the natural environment, as we heard so clearly outlined by all of the speakers. As Senator Noonan and I are here, it is important to give Carlow-Kilkenny a little mention in the context of biodiversity week.”
“Well done to him. That is how things change. I have to say well done to him as well. Today is a good news story. We have had a very important discussion. I am bringing it to a close. I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to discuss the plans for National Biodiversity Week and to highlight the continued efforts of the NPWS to protect and restore Ireland's biodiversity. I thank all the Senators for their valuable contributions and the shared commitment they have expressed here today to safeguard Ireland's biodiversity. That is what this is all about. Many speakers have spoken about education and communication, which will play a huge role going forward. Senator Malcolm Noonan mentioned funding three or four times, which is another issue we must examine.”
“Yes. Like other speakers, I pay tribute to the work done by Senator Noonan. It is important to highlight that too. I know the work he has done because I worked with him over the previous few years. I thank him for his work. I also thank Senator Nelson Murray's father-in-law, who was ahead of his time.”
“We had four and a half years here. All of us worked together. It was fabulous to learn. I started in the Seanad. Then I was elected to the Dáil and now I am a Minister of State. I am delighted to be sitting here. I have to mention my colleague, Senator Noonan. As everyone will know, we are both from Carlow-Kilkenny.”
“I mentioned the frailty intervention therapy team and early supported discharge team, supporting the flow of patients through the hospital. Figures from the HSE showed overall bed occupancy at Monaghan to be 85% or higher over the past year. For rehabilitation beds at Monaghan hospital, the average occupancy rate was 95% to January 2024. The HSE has advised that clear clinical pathways exist to support the current arrangements of CT and MRI scanners in the region. It has not submitted a business case for CT or MRI services at Monaghan hospital but I reiterate Government support for the hospital. I assure the Deputy I will bring all of these concerns back to the Minister. I thank the Deputy again for highlighting them. It is important we make changes. We are committed to funding our hospitals and services.”
“I thank the Deputy again for her contributions on Monaghan hospital. It is right that we acknowledge the excellent care provided by the staff, as the Deputy said herself. I will go back to the Minister for Health and request that she pay a visit, as the Deputy asked. The Government is committed to ongoing development and investment in regional hospitals. Significant investment in capital developments at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital includes two- and three-storey extensions currently at design stage, which is a good news story. They will further improve the hospital environment at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital, particularly for cancer patients. In line with the programme for Government commitment to Sláintecare, a number of service developments are also under way, aimed at improving access.”
“The HSE also recognises the importance of access to diagnostic services such as MRI and CT scanners. Referral to these radiology services is based on clinical need. The HSE has not made an application for CT or MRI facilities at Monaghan. However, Cavan and Monaghan Hospital has made an application to replace the existing MRI scanner located in Cavan. The project has been approved and works are expected to be completed by the end of this year. There has been significant investment and expansion at Monaghan Hospital and the Government continues to support the very high quality care being delivered to patients in the region.”
“Figures from the HSE show that overall occupancy in these beds has been at 85% or higher over the past year. For rehabilitation beds, the average occupancy rates are 95% from January 2024 to present. The hospital fully recognises the importance of rehabilitation and step-down beds to patients and their families. The Deputy is right that it is about the patients and their families. These are a critical support in enabling patients who may have been treated in another hospital to recover further before being discharged home. Every effort is made to ensure that these beds are maximised while recognising that there can sometimes be factors which impact on the number of patients who can be cared for. We do see the challenges. I am glad the Deputy is highlighting them because we need to make sure we work on these challenges.”
“These teams will help identify at-risk patients and will help ensure that patients get the right care in the community or at home where possible. At Monaghan Hospital, there is also ongoing development of pain services, haemochromatosis and an expansion of cardiology services. These improvements greatly enhance the supports provided to patients and their families and lead to better, more appropriate care, delivered in the right setting. I am aware of recent news reports regarding bed allocation rates at the hospital, particularly in relation to the rehabilitation and step-down beds. The HSE has advised that bed occupancy rates vary from time to time due to factors such as infection prevention and control, building works and the criteria for patient admission.”
“At Monaghan Hospital, the number of beds has increased significantly since 2020 and there has been an increase of 70% in staffing. I absolutely agree with the Deputy in complimenting all of our hospital staff. They do an excellent job and we do appreciate the work they do. This is one of the largest increases in staff of all hospitals nationally over this period. Investment in the hospital has enabled a number of important service developments. A minor injury unit now operates 12 hours a day, seven days a week. I did hear what the Deputy said about the concerns regarding the injury unit. I will bring that back to the Minister. A frailty intervention therapy team and early supported discharge team have been put in place.”
“I thank the Deputy. I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the services provided at Monaghan Hospital. I absolutely see the Deputy's concerns. The Government is committed to the ongoing development of our regional hospitals, including Cavan and Monaghan Hospital. Cavan General Hospital and Monaghan Hospital operate as a single hospital, with an integrated managerial and clinical governance system, care pathways and support functions. Since 2020, the Government has allocated significant resources to improve services, enhance patient care and better meet the needs of patients using the hospital. There has been substantial investment in the hospital in recent years. The budget for the hospital has increased by 30% from €114 million in 2020 to €149 million at the start of this year.”
“In order to address these challenges, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to engage with the HSE, Department of housing, and other relevant stakeholders to explore various ways of responding to demand while appropriately managing the significant levels of funding provided to residential services. Finally, the Minister would like to reiterate the importance of ensuring that we continue to support people with disabilities to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, with a person-centred approach across all services provided. I can see the Deputy's commitment and dedication and I want to thank everyone involved for the work they do. I thank the Deputy for bringing this to the House today.”
“I understand the challenges. I know there is significant demand for residential placements at a level which consistently exceeds supply. We are living longer and we need to do more. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to funding and to working on this. Challenges in providing these services include workforce challenges that apply to all specialist disability services, the acquisition of suitable housing stock and the increasing cost of providing residential care. Regulatory compliance is important in residential services and HIQA continues to inspect all designated centres for people with disabilities. This is critical to providing assurances that the quality of life of those living in residential services is appropriately addressed.”
“This funding also supports additional moves from nursing homes and decongregation to community settings. In recent years, the number of residential places delivered has exceeded what has been initially envisaged in the HSE national service plan. In 2024, 220 new residential places were delivered. I see all the great work that is done out there. I know we need to do more but it is a commitment in the Government to work with all the different services.”
“As a result, it is not currently possible to enter into multi-annual funding agreements for disability residential services. Although multi-annual funding is not available, the Minister wishes to reiterate that this Government is committed to providing support to people with disabilities and significant investment has been provided to specialist disability services, including a budget increase from €1.7 billion at the close of 2017 to over €3.2 billion in 2025. Supporting residential services accounts for approximately 60% of the total specialist community-based disability services budget. Some €106 million in additional funding has been provided to residential services in budget 2025. This includes €78.68 million to meet the incremental cost of 2024 new developments and €27.9 million in new funding in respect of 2025.”
“From this, the action plan for disability services was developed, providing a multi-year framework for service expansion and strategic policy development with a view to maximising effectiveness and impact. The action plan has informed budget deliberations and the prioritisation of areas for development in the coming years. It is a living document which will be reviewed and updated in the light of priorities, policy considerations and the funding available under the current and subsequent budgets. Unlike the position for capital expenditure, where multi-annual commitments are made within the national development plan, my Department is obliged to adhere to the public sector financial procedures, whereby Exchequer funding for current expenditure is allocated on an annual basis, following the annual budgetary process.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond. The Minister knows that there are many reasons why people seek residential supports. For some, it is by way of services to allow them remain in their own homes with family. For others, it is a residential service. The aim has been to facilitate living and inclusion in the community. Increasing the provision of disability residential services is a key priority area for this Government and the HSE, and there has been significant investment in residential services over recent years. In July 2023, the Government approved the disability action plan in order to address capacity deficits which had been identified in the disability capacity review.”
“After this point, TII, with the support of the National Transport Authority, will publish the emerging preferred route and will hold a non-statutory public consultation. I reiterate that the proposed extension of the Luas to Lucan is only one of a number of projects identified in the greater Dublin area transport strategy to significantly improve the combined light rail and heavy rail network by 2042. I assure the Deputy that projects will be progressed in line with the requirements of infrastructure guidelines and that public consultation processes will be undertaken at appropriate stages as projects are progressed. I understand the merits of the proposed Luas line to Lucan, as does the Government, and we look forward to seeing it progress through infrastructure guidelines.”
“Again, on behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputy for his commitment, comments and interest in this important issue. Regarding current developments, as mentioned, I understand that the route selection and concept development phase of the project is now taking place, with a number of end-to-end options going through a detailed multicriteria analysis. As stated in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, as the project’s sponsoring agency, and the NTA, as the day-to-day approving authority, will continue with the appraisal and planning of the Luas to Lucan project. As the sponsoring agency, TII plans to finalise the emerging preferred route in the first quarter of 2026.”
“A number of end-to-end options have now been selected, with further review of these options through a more detailed multicriteria analysis currently taking place. TII, as the sponsoring agency, plans to finalise the emerging preferred route next year. It will be after this point that TII, with the support of the NTA, will publish the emerging preferred route and options selection report. TII will then hold a non-statutory public consultation.”
“The scheme will complement the planned BusConnects Dublin and the DART+ programme to provide a high-quality network of multimodal options in the area out to Lucan. BusConnects core bus corridors to Lucan and Liffey Valley have both received planning permission from An Bord Pleanála. The Government understands the merits of the proposed Luas to Lucan project. It is one of a number of projects that have been highlighted to the Minister for Transport for acceleration as part of the review of the national development plan, which is planned to take place soon. Regarding route finalisation for the Luas Lucan project, the route selection and concept development phase of the project continues.”
“Transport Infrastructure Ireland is the sponsoring agency for the proposed Luas to Lucan project and the NTA is the day-to-day approving authority. I understand that the NTA recently submitted a project outline document, POD, to the Department of Transport, as is required under the Department of Transport's appraisal framework. The POD noted that Luas Lucan has the potential to reduce transport emissions and encourage the use of public transport along the study corridor while catering for growth and improved customer experience. The Luas Lucan is an east-west light rail line proposed to enhance connectivity across key areas of Dublin, supporting our economy and population growth and improving the quality of the public realm for its residents.”
“In addition, a public consultation on the emerging preferred route for a Luas line in Cork is also currently open. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the greater Dublin area. The development of a Luas line to serve Lucan is currently one of the medium-term projects in the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042, as approved by the Minister for Transport, for development and delivery within the 2031 to 2036 timeframe. The measure outlined in the greater Dublin area transport strategy is "to develop a light rail line from Lucan to the City Centre, [as the Deputy spoke about], supplementing and complementing the planned bus system, to serve the overall public transport needs in this area".”
“On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address this issue in the House today. As the Deputy said, improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. Progress is being made on a number of proposed light rail projects. There are four proposed expansions to the Luas network outlined in the current greater Dublin area transport strategy. The most advanced of these schemes is the Luas Finglas project. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in November 2024 for this project and we await a decision on this matter.”
“We are putting a lot of funding into health and well-being and sexual health, which is very important. The strategy in two weeks' time will be really positive. We all know that we need to do more. Supports for the prevention of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and treatment of victims in collaboration with Cuan and the justice sector are part of it too. It also includes further expansion of the free contraception scheme; women's, men's and LGBT health supports; additional measures for sexual health in third level education; funding to support improved access to HIV prep and for people living with HIV; and expanding sexual health services available throughout the primary care system. It is, therefore, a priority for us. I thank the Deputy again for raising this question. As I said, our strategy launch will be this day two weeks.”
“I thank the Deputy. I agree with him, and it is important the stigma is not there. Additional funding of €550,000 was allocated through the budget for 2025 to improve access to HIV PrEP, bringing a total allocation for PrEP to €6.45 million this year. An additional €600,000 has been allocated to support wider access to home STI testing, given increasing demand for the services. This brings funding for STI testing to €4.82 million in 2025. More than 126,000 kits were ordered in 2024, with a return rate of 71% and just under 10% of returned kits indicating a reactive result. Work to make some forms of contraception more easily available through the community pharmacies is under way and additional measures to increase capacity for sexual health care will be outlined in the new strategy.”
“It is currently at advanced design stage and will be submitted for departmental and ministerial approval shortly. Within the remit of the strategy will be support for positive mental health and well-being across the life course of the strategy, testing, diagnosis and treatment of HIV and STIs, prevention of adverse sexual health outcomes, information, education and research. Subject to departmental, ministerial and Government approval, the launch is planned for two weeks' time, Tuesday, 27 May. We have the launch ready, all going well, for this day two weeks. To keep the Deputy updated, service improvements are ongoing in the meantime. An additional €1.35 million has been allocated to free home STI testing, HIV PrEP and the free contraception scheme in 2025. A lot of work has been done through the Department.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question and congratulate him on his new appointment as Chair of the health committee. I look forward to working with him and the team. Sexual health is a priority for the Department of Health. The drafting process for the national sexual health strategy commenced in 2023 following a review of the previous strategy. The drafting committee included policy, service delivery and clinical leads working within the Department and the HSE. However, the strategy underwent an additional round of stakeholder consultation and feedback completed in mid-2024. It was decided that the strategy would be launched under the new Government to incorporate priorities from the new programme for Government. The strategy is supported by an action plan that maps out implementation plans for the first three years.”
“As always, any selected proposal will be subject to the normal HSE approval process. All aspects will have to be examined, as the Senator is aware. The Minister wishes to assure the Senator that she, her officials and the Department will continue to engage with the HSE to progress both the completion of this new primary care centre and the further development of such centres throughout the country. Given what the Senator said about engaging, perhaps she could talk to the Department and the HSE to see if something can happen in the meantime in order that some sort of solution might be arrived at. I will communicate what she said t the Minister and her Department. I am sure someone will come back to the Senator on the matter. I thank her so much for raising this matter.”
“I thank the Senator. I understand the need involved. Even on the basis of the most recent census, we can see the way the population is growing. It is important that we have the services in place. Unfortunately, from time to time, there can be delays within the development of primary care centres. There were a variety of circumstances in this instance, including the withdrawal of the developer. That sometimes happens. The HSE can confirm that the readvertisement of the Kanturk primary care centre is expected to progress in the next few weeks. When the project relating to Kanturk primary care centre is readvertised under the open competition – namely, where one must advertise and go through the normal process – the HSE will again evaluate submissions under the set criteria.”
“The Minister fully understands and recognises that this is a disappointing development at this stage. I can see that it is very disappointing and is frustrating for the people in the local area who have been awaiting the centre for some time. Unfortunately, in order to proceed the project will need to be readvertised. It is, however, welcome news that the HSE is progressing with the Kanturk primary care centre and is going ahead with the readvertisement process. The Minister wishes to assure the Senator that the Government remains committed to the continued development of primary care centres throughout the country and, specifically, the provision of a primary care centre in Kanturk. That is what is happening now.”
“A new primary care centre is planned for Kanturk and will be delivered by way of an optional lease model. The Senator will be aware that the HSE had previously advertised and identified a preferred developer for this new centre in Kanturk and the planning permission had been secured. Unfortunately, this preferred developer recently withdrew from the project, primarily due to increases in building costs. As a result, the HSE intends to readvertise for a new proposal to develop Kanturk primary care centre. This is what is happening now with the primary care centre. The HSE advises that the readvertisement of the primary care centre on the eTenders procurement platform is expected to take place in the coming weeks. This is the first step in the procurement process.”
“What the Senator said is 100% right: it is vital to have such centres in rural parts of the country. Primary care centres form an important part of our healthcare infrastructure, providing a single point of access to primary and community care services for individuals. They also serve as a resource more broadly for the community, creating a focal point for local health initiatives or providing community groups with a place to meet. It is for this reason that the development of primary care centres is a huge part of our Sláintecare remit. Significant progress has been made in the delivery of these primary care centres, with 179 now open and a further five under construction. The centres offer a tangible example of the investment the Government is making in community-based health infrastructure.”
“I am a big believer in health facilities, care facilities or what we sometimes call injury clinics around the country. I am a big fan of those, in particular in rural areas. They are definitely needed and they are a great way for people to be able to come together in communities and have the services they need. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. I thank Senator Ryan for raising it and for the opportunity to update the House. A central objective of the programme for Government is to deliver increased levels of integrated healthcare with service delivery, redirected towards general practice, primary care and community-based services to enable what is called a home-first approach. Integral to this is the development of primary care centres across the country in local communities such as Kanturk.”
“Screening programmes must balance early detection with the need to minimise harm or worry. It is important to remind the Chamber that screening is for healthy people without symptoms. Anyone who becomes aware of symptoms or has worries should contact medical professionals, who will arrange follow-up care. Screening saves lives and is free. Early detection may often mean simpler and more successful treatment. Therefore, I strongly encourage everyone to attend when they receive an invitation.”
“In summary, I reiterate that the matter of breast density measurements and screening is a complex one without clear scientific consensus on how best to proceed. I welcome the fact that work is due to commence shortly on this consideration. The Senator knows now at least it is being considered. The evidence review for the expansion of the BreastCheck, including potential introduction of a standardised breast density measure, remains a key priority for the NSAC and is expected to commence later this year. The Minister looks forward to receiving a recommendation from the committee. I recognise that attending breast cancer screening can be an anxious time for individuals. It is vital that the service provided is evidence-based and centred on the people who participate in it.”
“It is important to note that, as both elements of the review are anticipated to be complex, it will need time to complete.”
“In this regard, I highlight that any proposed changes to Ireland's cancer screening programmes will be facilitated through establishing evidence-driven protocols. That is being looked at. The NSAC is the independent expert group that considers any proposed changes to screening programmes. It reviews the evidence robustly and transparently and against internationally accepted criteria before making recommendations to the Minister for Health. I am pleased to confirm that the committee has asked the Health Information and Quality Authority to review evidence for both an expansion of the age range of the BreastCheck screening as well as to consider the potential introduction of a standard breast density measurement. That is the good news today. Work is expected to start in the coming months.”
“There are contrasting clinical opinions on this matter. For example, the updated European Commission initiative on breast cancer highlights the low certainty of evidence surrounding the incorporation of the breast density measurement into the screening programmes. Additionally, I note that in the European Union, only two countries, Austria and the Czech Republic, are currently reporting the breast density measurement as part of routine breast screening. I note that the European Society of Breast Imaging, EUSOBI, recommends the offering of breast MRI screening to women with extremely dense breast tissue, which is a minority of women with denser breast tissue. The existence of contrasting significant positions reinforces the need for careful and detailed consideration of the matter.”
“Regarding the question of breast density, such a measurement is currently not captured for women attending screenings, as the Senator correctly noted. However, it is part of a routine practice in the symptomatic breast disease service to include a comment on breast density in a mammogram report. If something does happen within that, it is shown on the report. Nevertheless, conflating screening for healthy people, without symptoms, with those experiencing symptoms is not appropriate. The focus on benefits for screening is on the people without symptoms, whereas for symptomatic services, it is on ensuring that individual patients requiring investigation go to their doctors if they note any symptoms. It is also important to highlight that the potential incorporation of breast density measures in screening procedures is complex.”
“It is important that everyone who receives notice to attend for a check-up does so. It is crucial that women have their mammograms. The programme for Government commits to raising the age for breast checks in accordance with the latest standards from the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA. To this end, the National Screening Advisory Committee, NSCA, has asked to look at the evidence for the expansion of the age range. This is being looked at. Significant investment continues to be made in BreastCheck. This includes an additional €2.9 million allocated this year, with the approval of 22 whole-time equivalent posts. This funding will assist in increasing capacity that will enable services to develop to meet women's evolving needs and ensure equal access for all.”
“I thank the Senator for telling those stories about the families affected by this. I see where she is coming from. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The Minister and I are dedicated to enhancing Ireland's population screening programmes. These play a crucial role in our health services by facilitating early treatment and thereby promoting the overall health of our community. This is a priority for the Government. Some 3,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland every year. About one third of these will have cancer detected through screening. The breast cancer screening programme currently invites women between the ages of 50 and 69 to attend. The Senator mentioned that she will go for her check-up soon.”
“The goal is to help families create a health-promoting home environment, reduce further weight gain and address associated health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or painful joints. This service compounds with treatment. It is about prevention. Having worked with the different Departments and the Minister, I can say that this is all about prevention. I am committed to preventing obesity and changing the unhealthy food environment but also to improving and increasing services for children and young people living with obesity to reduce the impact of this disease. In this way, we can support healthy generations of children who can enjoy their lives to the fullest and reach their full potential as they develop into adults, which is critical to the country's future.”
“It is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including health professionals from general paediatrics, nursing, dietetics, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, occupational therapy, medical social work and administration. CHI provides families with guidance on health, nutrition, self-esteem, family communication, physical fitness and activity through education, goal setting and support in a safe environment. This guidance is provided with a focus on promoting a sensitive, respectful and empowering atmosphere, which is important for us. The CHI service aims to halt or slow the progression of childhood obesity, improve health complications and increase knowledge and understanding related to health literacy for families and children.”