Latest news with #JenniferCarrollMacNeill
Irish Times
37 minutes ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Could the Israel-Iran war completely destabilise the Middle East?
Sally Hayden and Harry McGee join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: Sally Hayden joins the pod on the line from Beirut where missiles flying overhead have become a fact of daily life despite the ceasefire agreement Lebanon signed with Israel last November. With Israel's attention now firmly on Iran , the rising death toll and continuing aerial attacks from both sides show no signs of abating. And is the US on the verge of joining Israel's attack on Iran? What could that mean for stability in the Middle East? Children's Health Ireland appeared before the Oireachtas Health Committee this week with politicians eager to tear strips off the embattled group responsible for running children's hospital services in Dublin . After so many controversies since its inception in 2018, can CHI be trusted to run the new national children's hospital when it opens? And how will this all be handled by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll-MacNeill given her short time as a first-time senior Minister? Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week: How AIB came back from the brink after the crash, and a misguided viral appeal following the death of an Irish emigrant in London.
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Minister in the spotlight as health controversies intensify
'It is frightening, what was happening at CHI', Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane said as politician after politician at the Oireachtas health committee tore strips off the embattled group that runs children's hospital services in Dublin. The hospital group knew it would be facing a rough day given the litany of contentious issues facing it: the implantation of unauthorised springs , allegations surrounding unnecessary hip operations , controversy over lengthy waiting lists for spinal surgery, an internal report identifying dysfunctional behaviour and a toxic culture in parts of CHI as well as concerns over whether National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) money earmarked for reducing hospital waiting lists had been misused. As CHI was heading to the bear pit that is the committee room on Thursday, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was on her way to a European health council meeting in Luxembourg. But she and her officials were keeping a close eye on proceedings as the Oireachtas committee heard directly from those running CHI for the first time. 'There is absolutely zero confidence in the CHI board, zero confidence in the management,' said Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly. READ MORE He later maintained he was reflecting the feelings of colleagues in the Oireachtas. On the ministerial corridors at Leinster House, senior figures may not be frightened by events at CHI. But there is no doubt there are strong concerns that after five years of relative quiet – accompanied by unprecedented levels of investment – health scandals are once again dominating the agenda. How all this is handled will be a big test for Carroll MacNeill in her first term as a senior Minister. Initially she was seen as one of the better performers in the Cabinet. But a number of figures in Government point out that in recent weeks things seem to be boiling over on a number of fronts. There is a clear sense within Government that the aggregate effect of the series of controversies represents an important moment and a shift in gears for Carroll MacNeill's ministerial career. 'It is a huge test for her, a huge challenge,' one source said, adding there were nascent concerns about keeping the centre of Government informed as the controversies develop. 'While she is the line minister, she is responsible, from a public perception point of view, the Government is responsible.' She must also master the inner workings and unpredictable dynamics of a health crisis – something that eventually falls to everyone in her position. This is particularly the case for one that is, in fact, composed of several overlapping sub-crises – a 'sprawling controversy with so many elements', as one source described it. She must keep track of timelines, keep the information flow running, keep across who knew what and when. For a first-time Cabinet minister, it is the ultimate acid test. Some of this may just be timing. The report by the health services watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) on the unauthorised springs was always set for May and Government knew this would probably cause a storm that would be quickly followed by an equally damaging analysis into operations for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, the stunning leak of an internal CHI report identifying potential patient safety risks, questionable use of NTPF-funded waiting list clinics and a toxic culture at one CHI hospital came out of left field. Ministers and health chiefs said they had been blindsided. The revelations also highlighted divisions between different parts of the health system and put the spotlight on flaws in the governance structures. Last week the NTPF confirmed it had suspended funding for waiting list initiatives at another centre, Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, on foot of potential financial irregularities. The Irish Times revealed this followed a letter sent to the chairwoman of Beaumont by consultants in which they maintained the hospital had billed the NTPF for about 1,400 patients treated in their regular public clinic. The Department of Health – and presumably the Minister – had been aware of this development since April. Carroll MacNeill had directed the HSE to send internal auditors into Beaumont . However, the public was not told until June 11th. Some highly placed sources maintain all this has led to concerns about the information flow around Government. One Minister told The Irish Times there had been discussions about what was coming out. 'As we hear things, things are being circulated,' they said. 'There is no concern about the political messaging, but there is huge concern about what we hear is going on – everything, from what you hear about [HSE chief] Bernard Gloster bringing in the gardaí to everything that is going on in terms of governance, the whole shooting match. But the primary concern is about the children.' Another Government figure said there is real concern that health may blow up (politically) in a way that it has not done in five years and that there may be too much of a hands-off approach by the Minister. The Government is only too aware there is more drama to come. CHI, the HSE and the NTPF will be before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee in early July. An external review into paediatric orthopaedic surgery being carried out for the HSE is also still awaited. A separate HSE report on 'insourcing', where some staff formed private companies to carry out additional work outside regular hours to tackle waiting lists, is also due, as are the findings of the internal auditors sent into Beaumont. Governments have spent more than €1.6 billion on waiting lists over recent years, using the NTPF, the HSE 'insourcing' and other arrangements. Any questionable findings will undoubtedly lead to more allegations about waste. Carroll MacNeill is facing a balancing act of trying to deal with serious issues in CHI at a time when the organisation should, ideally, be concentrating on moving the three existing paediatric centres in Dublin into the new €2.4 billion national children's hospital. TDs, like Daly, may have no confidence in CHI. But in the meantime services for children have to continue and workforce planning and other arrangements for the move have to be carried out in parallel. In late May the Minister told the Dáil: 'I am trying to look at this question in relation to the broader governance of CHI in a way that enables the functional continuity of CHI, both to respond to the various patient needs and ... the broader running of the paediatric system and to move us towards opening the new hospital. I want to ensure we see the appropriate governance structure in place to make sure that we have clinical leads who are managing each team.' However, within Government the ghost of the 2018 cervical check scandal casts a long shadow. This centred on retrospective audits of cervical cancer screenings that showed that 221 women's smear test readings missed abnormalities, leading to the development of cervical cancer. The results were not disclosed to 162 women and a number subsequently died. [ Justine McCarthy: Ireland's grubby treatment of Covid-19 heroes will cause frontline workers to think twice next time Opens in new window ] The fallout caused a national outcry. Ministers, doctors and health administrators did not adequately argue their own case and in the face of relentless criticism, a narrative took root and proved difficult to eradicate. There are fears that further revelations at the Public Accounts Committee or in forthcoming reports could spark further controversy. A number of sources have voiced concerns that the health service and CHI could replicate the rolling controversy seen over the RTÉ payments scandal two summers ago. The gaps and governance flaws identified by the CHI controversy also leaves the Minister with a decision on whether further reforms are needed. Health economist at UCC Dr Brian Turner described the current system as a complex mix of public and private funding and delivery with a large degree of overlap. He said there were publicly-funded public hospitals (run by the HSE), publicly-funded voluntary hospitals (run by their own boards) and public patients in private facilities such as nursing homes. In addition, the NTPF buys treatment in both the public and private systems. On top of this HSE reforms introduced last year led to new regional chief executives appointed to oversee services in geographic areas that covered both public and voluntary hospitals. [ Flying to Spain for medical care: 'The Irish really appreciate the services; they are actually really easy patients' Opens in new window ] One obvious question from this is who does the chief executive in a voluntary hospital primarily report to? Is it to the hospital board or the HSE regional chief executive? Such questions are not purely academic. At the Oireachtas committee, it became clear CHI did not believe its internal report merited a referral to the Garda. The HSE, on the other hand, wanted gardaí involved. One experienced health service figure told The Irish Times the CHI issue was casting a spotlight on the key governance question: who is in charge of what in the health service? With some exceptions, most of the main academic teaching hospitals covering most of the main specialities are in the voluntary sector. The staff are considered to be public servants but the hospitals are run by their own boards. Voluntary hospitals tend to jealously guard their independence. One senior figure pointed to a row last year when former minister for health Stephen Donnelly wanted all hospitals to adopt a new system that would provide greater visibility over productivity. A number of voluntary hospitals objected until the minster threatened to withhold capital funding. CHI reported to the minister, not to the HSE. However, when Donnelly wanted a new chief executive appointed as the former chief executive Eilish Hardiman had served the maximum two terms under Government policy, the CHI board disagreed. Simon Harris , as minister for health in 2017 established a review of the role of voluntary organisations in the operation of the health sector. But many key structures remained in place. One senior health source said voluntary hospitals previously argued they provided a set level of services for the State under an agreement each year but were subsequently free to treat fee-paying patients and do other work. However, private practice in public hospitals is now to be eliminated over time under Sláintecare , the long-term plan to achieve universal, single-tier health and social care. One experienced health figure said it was widely known that the governance arrangements were flawed. However, he questioned whether the Government had the bandwidth or determination to deal with the aggravation that would flow from trying to change the current model of care – a process that could take several years, and possibly beyond the next general election.
Irish Times
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Sale of vapes to be restricted in same way as cigarettes under new legislation
Restrictions on the sale and marketing of tobacco products will be extended to vapes as part of legislation to be introduced by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The Public Health (Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill will require shops to hide vapes in the same way as they do for tobacco so that they are out of sight in shops where children may be present. The legislation will include restrictions on the use of colours and imagery on devices and their packaging so that any products on display are not brightly coloured or covered in cartoons. The Bill will also introduce an advertising ban in all retail premises where nicotine inhaling products – vapes – are sold. READ MORE It will prohibit the sale of single-use vapes, 'as these are disproportionately used by young people, not to mention the environmental impacts associated with them' said Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning John Cummins. The legislation will also ban devices which resemble toys or games. And it will 'significantly restrict the flavours available for sale and ensure that only basic flavour names are used'. [ Vape shops selling Dubai chocolate and Prime energy drinks branded 'a new low' Opens in new window ] Mr Cummins outlined the measures in the Seanad in response to Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy who called for strong regulation of vaping products. Mr Duffy said they did not know the health risks of vaping. 'We didn't know the health risks of tobacco in the early days and we have learned how devastating that was.' The Mayo-based Senator said 'the association with candy and sweets is clearly a cynical move to target young people in particular to use it as a stepping stone or to get them addicted to vaping products'. 'People can still have a choice but vaping cannot be proliferated and done in a cynical way that is targeting young and vulnerable people,' he said. Mr Cummins said the Bill will regulate to reduce the appeal of vapes to young people. Currently there is a one-off registration system for tobacco and no registration system for the sale of nicotine inhaling products such as vapes, he said. 'This has led to vapes being sold in the likes of sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shops and fast-food takeaways.' From February next year retailers will have to apply annually for a licence, including a declaration that they comply with all relevant law in this area. There will be increased penalties for retailers who commit offences, including minimum licence suspension periods and revocation of the licence entirely for retailers who commit two or more serious offences, such as selling to a minor. The legislation will also prohibit the sale of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products from self-service vending machines and events aimed at children, and licences will not be granted to temporary or movable premises, such as those at festivals.
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Restrictions on vape products will reduce appeal to teenagers, senator says
Action to regulate vaping products will help reduce their appeal to young people and help protect the environment, a Fine Gael senator has said. Senator Mark Duffy, who raised this issue in the Seanad on Wednesday with Minister John Cummins, said new legislation would be a significant step for protecting young people's health across Ireland. Advertisement Currently, a one-off registration system exists for tobacco, but not for nicotine inhaling products. 'We've all seen the growth of vape shops across the country, and parents are concerned about how this is impacting their children," he said. 'The variety of flavours and bright packaging on vaping products is clearly aimed at making these products more attractive to our youth. 'It's a cynical move to get them hooked, with vape companies targeting younger and vulnerable individuals with colourful, flavoured products designed for maximum appeal. Advertisement 'The proposed bill, drafted by my colleague Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, addresses some of the major issues with the sale of vape products. Newsagents will be required to hide vape products in the same way as tobacco, and there will be an advertising ban in all shops where these products are sold." Duffy said it will regulate these products to reduce their appeal to young people, with restrictions on colours and imagery to avoid bright, "cartoon-covered" packaging, a ban on toy-like devices, limits to basic flavours, and a ban on single-use vapes. 'Currently, a one-off registration system exists for tobacco, but not for nicotine inhaling products, which has led to unregulated sales in sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shops, and fast-food takeaways. "The new system will require annual license applications with compliance declarations, alongside increased penalties for offenses, including suspensions and revocations for repeat violations. 'This legislation is really welcome. The growth of vape shops in Ireland has been rapid, and this regulation responds to the concerns of so many parents and families."
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
New legislation to oblige newsagents to hide vapes in same way they do for tobacco
Newsagents will be obliged to hide nicotine inhaling products - vapes - in the same way that they do for tobacco, under legislation being drafted by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The bill will also introduce an advertising ban in all retail premises where nicotine inhaling products are sold. Minister of State John Cummins told Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy in the Seanad today that the legislation aims to regulate the product's characteristics to reduce their appeal to young people. Accordingly, it will include restrictions on the use of colours and imagery on devices and their packaging, so that any products on display are not brightly covered and covered in cartoons. It will also include a ban on devices which resemble toys or games for the same reasons. The bill will also significantly restrict the flavours available for sale and ensure that only basic flavour names are used. It will also prohibit the sale of single-use vapes - something which was promised by the last Coalition - on the basis that they're disproportionately used by young people, as well as the negative environmental impacts associated with them. Mr Duffy said he very much welcomed the outline of the legislation, adding the proliferation of vape shops in Ireland has happened very quickly and regulation needs to catch up. He said young people needed to be protected, and that included removing product placements in shops which encouraged sales. He contended that the association of vapes with candy and sweets "is a cynical move to get them hooked." Mr Duffy claimed that younger and vulnerable people were being targetted by vape companies and the variety of different flavours and coloured products was aimed at making them as attractive as possible. Mr Cummins said that the Public Health Act of 2023 brought in a minimum age of sale of 18 for nicotine inhaling products, and will introduce a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. He said currently there is a one-off registration system for tobacco but no registration system for the sale of nicotine inhaling products such as vapes. The minister said this had led to vapes being sold in the likes of sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shots and fast-food takeaways. He said the Government would continue to act, saying the Coalition is committed to achieving a target of less than 5% of the population smoking.
