Press releases for 2008
December
- Statement by Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney T.D. on HIQA Hospitals Hygiene Review 2008 (22 December )
- Alcohol Misuse Progress Report published by Minister Wallace (19 December )
- Statement by Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney, T.D. on her approval of the HSE National Service Plan 2009,16 December, 2008 (16 December )
- Minister Harney announces a €17m investment programme to provide a new purpose-built Munster Regional Blood Transfusion Centre at Cork University Hospital. (16 December )
- Máire Hoctor T.D., Minister for Older People Announces Allocations under the “Go for Life” National Grant Scheme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People 2008 (10 December )
- Dioxins and Pork Meat - Statement by Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health and Children on Monday, 8th December, 2008 (8 December )
- Department of Health and Children appoints new Chief Medical Officer (5 December )
- Questions and Answers: Health Bill 2008, Medical Cards for People Aged 70 and over (5 December )
- Máire Hoctor T.D., Minister for Older People on the opening of “Showcasing Ageing and Disability Research – Lessons for Policy and Practice Seminar” (4 December )
- Press Release for Máire Hoctor T.D., Minister for Older People at the launch of “Pavee Beoirs and Glokes” Groundwork to support a Network for Older Travellers in Finglas and Blanchardstown (3 December )
- Policy/Strategy for the Provision of Rehabilitation Services - Call for Submissions (1 December )
- Minister Hoctor announces HSE’s €1m funding to develop respite services in the Mid-West for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. (1 December )
November
- Minister for Health & Children removes the “derogation” which prevented non-Irish qualified pharmacists from owning, operating or managing pharmacies which are less than 3 years old. (28 November )
- Health Information Bill - synopsis document now available (26 November )
- Minister Wallace highlights the need for a reduction in our fat, sugar and salt intake in order to address high obesity levels in the Irish population (25 November )
- Minister Hoctor presents Carer of the Year Awards 2008 (22 November )
- Minister Mary Wallace speaks at the launch of the BRÍ Acquired Brain Injury Awareness Weekend (21st-23rd November 2008), Mansion House, Dublin (21 November )
- Minister welcomes publication of the first National Therapy Research Strategy (20 November )
- Minister of State Hoctor launches Roscrea Primary Care Team (19 November )
- Minister announces Government initiative to support the cost of health insurance for older people - includes Q&A (19 November )
- Minister Hoctor launches the findings of ‘Mountview Parish Older Persons Needs Analysis’ research survey at Fortlawn Community Centre (18 November )
- Minister Wallace reminds people of the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles on World Diabetes Day (13 November )
- All Island conference on obesity - Obesity weighing up the options (13 November )
- Minister Hoctor launches the Carers Association National Conference for Family Carers (13 November )
- Minister Máire Hoctor welcomes the HSE’s Public Awareness Campaign on Elder Abuse (10 November )
- Máire Hoctor TD, Minister for Older People opens the 6th Annual Wexford Area Community Conference and the launch of the Social Inclusion Plan for the Wexford Area 2008 – 2013 (8 November )
- Minister Máire Hoctor launches Report on the “Role and Future Development of the Meal-on-Wheels Service for Older People in Ireland”, commissioned by the National Council on Ageing and Older People (6 November )
- Statement by Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD on HPV Vaccination Programme (4 November )
- Statement by Minister for Health and Children , Mary Harney T.D. on Review of Chest XRays and CT Scans at Louth/ Meath Hospitals (4 November )
October
- Minister Hoctor Opens the I.R.D. Conference ‘Tackling Rural Isolation’ (31 October )
- Government Accepts Recommendation on €290 Single Fee to GPs for Medical Card Holders Aged 70 and Over (29 October )
- Minister Hoctor addresses the National Council Meeting of Active Retirement Ireland (28 October )
- Minister Hoctor officially opens the Ability Matters Clinic in Waterford City (24 October )
- Minister Hoctor welcomes new income thresholds to apply to medical cards for people aged 70 and over (21 October )
- Government Statement re Medical Card for People aged 70 and over (21 October )
- Major Rationalisation of Health Sector Agencies (15 October )
- Moloney welcomes additional funding for disability, mental health and suicide prevention. (14 October )
- Health Estimates for 2009 (14 October )
- Minister Máire Hoctor launches the Law Reform Commission’s Consultation Paper Bioethics: Advance Care Directives (14 October )
- Minister John Moloney opens the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland Annual National Conference in the Tullamore Court Hotel (11 October )
- “Need to Focus on Unhealthy Eating Habits of Children and Young People” – Minister Mary Wallace speaking during the Second Stage of the Dáil Debate on the Broadcasting Bill (10 October )
- World Mental Health Day 2008 Minister Moloney notes the importance of making mental health a global priority (10 October )
- Department of Health and Children addresses certain issues raised following the publication of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 (9 October )
- Minister Harney publishes Fair Deal Bill – ‘clear, coherent and totally fair support for the cost of long term care’ (9 October )
- Minister Máire Hoctor Launches Intel’s “Log On, Learn” Programme in Castleknock Community College. (1 October )
- Minister Hoctor Speaks at ‘Age Demands Action’ Seminar, Our Lady’s Hospice, Harolds Cross (1 October )
September
- Minister Hoctor opens Active Retirement Ireland’s Seminar on Positive Ageing (30 September)
- Máire Hoctor T.D., Minister for Older People opens the Final International Conference of Citizen First.. using Technology to include All citizens, in Ennis, Co Clare. (26 September)
- Statement on Re-assessment for Symptomatic Breast Disease Mammography by Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney, T.D. (25 September)
- Minister Harney announces Independent Review of Services at Ennis General Hospital (24 September)
- Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney T.D., announces the re-appointment of Bernard Collins as Chairman of VHI (23 September)
- Minister Wallace addresses the Inaugural Seminar of the Nutrition and Health Foundation: "Positive Approaches to Obesity" (23 September)
- Minister Hoctor launches the Report Social Space: Equal Place, The Social Club Model of Dementia Care (18 September)
- Minister Moloney Congratulates the Irish Paralympic Team On Their Wonderful Achievements (17 September)
- Minister Wallace Calls On Parents To Ensure The Results Are Celebrated Sensibly And Safely As Junior Certificate Celebrations Commence (10 September)
- World Suicide Prevention Day - Minister Moloney notes the importance of adopting a collective approach to tackling suicide (10 September)
- Minister Wallace Renews Advice Not To Drink Alcohol In Pregnancy (8 September)
- Minister Mary Wallace announces action to reduce salt in Irish diet. (7 September)
- Minister Wallace reminds pupils and parents of the opportunity the new school year presents to make a healthy start (4 September)
- Minister Wallace reinforces the public health message on alcohol (3 September)
August
- Minister for Food Safety and Health Promotion officially closes the 40th Birthday Celebration of the HSE Community Games - 'Farewell to Mosney' (24 August )
- Minister Máire Hoctor, TD, launches Age Action Ireland’s “Positive Ageing Photographic Exhibition” in Kilkenny Castle (21 August )
- Minister Hoctor welcomes the HSE announcement of the establishment of a National Research Centre for the Protection of Older People. (11 August )
- Minister welcomes Madden report on patient safety as roadmap to drive improvements in patient care (7 August )
- Minister Harney Approves Introduction Of Cervical Cancer Vaccination Programme. (5 August )
July
- Minister Moloney welcomes the launch of the Report by the Mental Health Commission on the operation of Part 2 of the Mental Health Act, 2001. (31 July )
- The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD, announces publication of the Report of the Independent Body on Pharmacy Contract Pricing. (30 July )
- Minister Wallace welcomes stricter alcohol laws (29 July )
- Minister for Health and Children appoints Mr Willie O’Reilly to the Board of the HSE (29 July )
- Minister Harney launches the 2008 Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. (24 July )
- Statement on the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgment relating to the Risk Equalisation Scheme by Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D. (16 July )
- Minister Harney Welcomes HIQA Report on Cancer Services at University Hospital Galway (15 July )
- Fair Deal to be implemented in 2009 – Minister Hoctor (14 July )
- Minister Máire Hoctor welcomes additional Financial Support of €12 million for Older People in Nursing Homes (10 July )
- Minister Moloney welcomes the increase in funding for the Dementia Unit in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick (9 July )
- Minister Wallace announces date for removal of all point-of-sale advertising for tobacco products (9 July )
- Statement by Mary Harney, T.D. Minister for Health & Children in relation to Budgetary consolidation in 2008 (8 July )
- New Medical Council To Take Office And Commence Its Work Under The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (2 July )
- Minister Moloney confirms disability developments to go ahead (1 July )
- Minister Wallace Launches New Stronger Codes Of Practice To Control Alcohol Marketing, Communications And Sponsorship (1 July )
June
- Minister Wallace congratulates FSAI on being awarded the WHO’s Food Safety Award (30 June )
- Minister Moloney welcomes Second Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on "A Vision for Change" (27 June )
- Minister Mary Harney T.D. participates in the Global Launch of the Second Global Patient Safety Challenge: "Safe Surgery Saves Lives" (25 June )
- Minister Moloney launches MS Ireland’s National Activity, Exercise and Physiotherapy Research Programme (24 June )
- Minister Hoctor launches the Older Persons Network Booklet 'Rambling Together', Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. (24 June )
- Minister Mary Harney officially opens the All Ireland Community Nursing Joint Conference 2008 (20 June )
- Minister Harney announces a Public Consultation on the proposed Health Information Bill (19 June )
- Minister Wallace launches the HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Plan 2008 – 2012 (17 June )
- Minister Moloney launches CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland) Annual Report (17 June )
- Minister Máire Hoctor launches Training and Policy document on 13th June 2008, to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (13 June )
- Announcement of the Public Consultation on a 35 Hour week for Nurses and Midwives (12 June )
- Statement by the Department of Health and Children in relation to the licensing of private hospitals and clinics. (11 June )
- Minister Harney Welcomes Entry of Hibernian to the Health Insurance Market (9 June )
- Minister Wallace warns alcohol advertising executives of the need for full compliance with the new advertising codes (4 June )
May
- Minister Moloney welcomes the launch of the Mental Health Commission’s Annual Report for 2007 (29 May )
- Minister Hoctor at the official launch of the North West Inner City “Friendly Call Service” project (20 May )
- Minister Harney welcomes consultation programme on the National Rehabilitation Hospital (20 May )
- Máire Hoctor, Minister for Older People today launched ‘Say No to Ageism Week’ in the Equality Authority, Clonmel Street, Dublin 2. (19 May )
- Minister Harney says ‘Co-location projects will free up public hospital beds with savings of hundreds of millions of euro to taxpayers.’ (18 May )
- Minister Harney says IHCA acceptance of new contract paves the way for improved services for patients (16 May )
- Minister Harney appoints new medical council with first lay majority (16 May )
- Minister Wallace promises to give priority to tacking our alcohol culture (15 May )
- Combined Text and Photo Warnings on Tobacco Products to be Introduced by Minister Following Consultation (13 May )
- Ginny Hanrahan to be First Chief Executive Officer at Health and Social Care Professionals Council (9 May )
- Recall of Cosmetics sets (9 May )
- Minister Harney Welcomes Labour Relations Commission Intervention and Calls on Psychiatric Nurses to Suspend Industrial Action for Sake of Patients (8 May )
- Minister Harney launches strategy to give a greater voice to service users in the health service (6 May )
- Minister Harney Announces Public Consultation on Legislation to Control the Use of Sun Beds (2 May )
April
- Comprehensive Study on the Health and Lifestyle Behaviours of the Irish Population Published (29 April )
- Minister Máire Hoctor launches Cork Seniors Together in the Imperial Hotel Cork (28 April )
- Minister Gallagher announces strengthened measures to control alcohol advertising (24 April )
- Minister Hoctor opens Stroke Conference (18 April )
- Minister welcomes announcement of new satellite radiotherapy centre for Altnagelvin (17 April )
- Minister Hoctor Addresses the National Federation of Pensioners' Associations' Annual Delegate Conference (17 April )
- Statement by Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children, following the publication of the HSE's Review of Increased Identification of Clostridium Difficile at Ennis General Hospital January-June 2007 (10 April )
- Minister Harney announces the publication of a Policy Framework for the Management of Chronic Diseases (10 April )
- Minister Jimmy Devins addresses the National Office for Suicide Prevention’s third Annual Forum (9 April )
- Statement by Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney TD following publication of Irish Heart Foundation National Audit of Stroke Care (9 April )
- Decision to Discontinue the Future Distribution of Iodine Tablets (3 April )
- Statement by Minister Pat the Cope Gallagher following the launch of new resources developed as part of the GAA’s National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) Programme (3 April )
- Minister Hoctor Launches CARDI (Centre for Ageing Research in Ireland) and their Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 (3 April )
- Statement by Mary Harney TD, following the publication of the HIQA Report on the provision of care to Ms Rebecca O'Malley (2 April )
- Minister Harney’s response to the Report on the Independent Review of Symptomatic Breast Care Services at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick (1 April )
March
- Devins Launches Console’s National Snowdrop Day (27 March )
- The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D., today (11th March, 2008) published new data showing that the number of people with Medical Cards and GP Visit cards was up in every region of the country since January 2006. (11 March )
- Minister for Older People, Máire Hoctor, welcomes the final Draft HIQA Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People (11 March )
- Minister Hoctor Opens €2.7m Extension of Cahercalla Community Hospice and Nursing Home, Ennis, Co Clare (7 March )
- Publication of the Fitzgerald and Doherty Reports (5 March )
- Minister Hoctor Speaks at Launch of CARDI in Stormont Castle (3 March )
February
- Minister Harney Congratulates National Maternity Hospital on Introduction of Nurse Prescribing (25 February )
- Cross Border co-operation in creating awareness of suicide reaffirmed at meeting (21 February )
- Minister for Mental Health visits site of new 6-bed Adolescent Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Fairview to monitor progress (19 February )
- Minister Harney announces Independent Body to begin work immediately to assess fair community pharmacy dispensing fee (18 February )
- Minister Hoctor Launches SPARC Book on "Home Care for Ageing Populations" (13 February )
- Minister for Health Welcomes Decision of the Court of First Instance of the European Community (12 February )
- Minister announces commencement of Commission on Nurses Working Hours (11 February )
- Minister Devins addresses the Inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting of the Irish Network of Medical Educators (7 February )
- “Minister Pat The Cope Gallagher calls on smokers to TRY to quit smoking” (5 February )
January
- Taoiseach and Minister for Health and Children announce the Office for Disability and Mental Health and the Office for Older People. (30 January )
- Announcement of re-appointment and new appointments to the Board of the Health Service Executive. (25 January )
- Statement by Mary Harney TD, Minister for Health and Children, at the conclusion of talks with the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association (IHCA) on a new Consultants' Contract (24 January )
- Minister welcomes First Nurse/Midwife Prescribers (24 January )
- Devins affirms Government's commitment to suicide prevention (17 January )
- Minister Hoctor Presents Sonas Award to St Monica’s Nursing Home (10 January )
- Minister Devins Welcomes Today's Launch of the NDA Report on Compliance with Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 (4 January )
