Latest news with #CarrollMacNeill
Agriland
31-07-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Minister questioned over plans for Irish language food labels
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD, Richard Boyd Barrett has questioned the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill about the use of the Irish language on food and drink labels. In a series of parliamentary questions this month (July 2025), Deputy Boyd Barrett claimed the minister was deflecting responsibility for bilngual food and drink labelling to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. He believes that minister should use her department's legislative authority over the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation to act, and asked if she accepts that "this amounts to a deliberate political evasion" of the state's obligations under the constitution. The minister for health acknowledged that her department has responsibility for food safety legislation, including an EU regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. She outlined that that this regulation provides that mandatory food information shall appear in a language "easily understood" by consumers, and that EU member states may require that the information be given in one or more languages from among the official languages of the EU. Minister Carroll MacNeill said that when transposing the language requirements of the EU regulation, and in light of the Official Languages Act 2003, flexibility was provided to ensure that food placed on the market in Ireland can be accompanied by mandatory food information in either English, or Irish and English. She said: "Flexibility was necessary to ensure that the legislation was not creating barriers to trade and that the burden placed on businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises was not disproportionate. "The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030, for which the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has responsibility, includes a commitment for government to examine the feasibility of introducing a voluntary code for bilingual labelling and packaging of all goods sold in Ireland." "The flexibilities provided for in (the regulation) ensure that any such voluntary code, as it would relate to food information, will not contravene the mandatory information requirements of the EU FIC Regulation," the minister added. Minister Carroll MacNeill said that the Department of Health "will be happy to assist" the Department of Rural and Community Affairs and the Gaeltacht in progressing the code. In 2022, an FIC interdepartmental group was established in direct response to the EU Commission's 2020 proposal to amend certain aspects of the FIC regulation, which did not include language provisions. Minister Carroll MacNeill has responsibility for the FIC regulation, and says that she currently has no plans to convene a group to examine the language provisions of the regulation.
Euractiv
30-07-2025
- Health
- Euractiv
Ireland's ‘compassionate' justice and mental health strategy aims to avoid prison return
The Irish government has published the second annual progress report of the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, highlighting a series of cross-departmental initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with mental health and addiction issues who encounter the criminal justice system. The report, released on 28 July, outlines developments between September 2023 and September 2024, including the national rollout of Mental Health First Aid training to An Garda Síochána (Ireland's police force), the launch of the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick, and progress on a dual diagnosis service in Cork Prison. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill placed particular emphasis on the need for a compassionate, integrated response. 'The High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction recognised the importance of taking a compassionate, whole-person approach to supporting people with mental health and addiction challenges who come into contact with the criminal justice system,' she said. 'Many of the Taskforce's recommendations build on what's already in place, aiming to strengthen the connections between services. This joined-up approach is designed to offer more consistent, meaningful support to individuals navigating both the justice and health systems,' she added. Avoiding incarceration Carroll MacNeill also pointed to the health sector's progress in developing alternatives to incarceration. 'A particular focus has been on creating real, person-centred alternatives through Diversion initiatives, ensuring that care is better integrated and more responsive to the needs of this small but highly vulnerable group,' she noted. The Taskforce, a joint initiative between the Departments of Health and Justice, was established following the publication of its foundational report in 2022. Its Steering Committee includes representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, and An Garda Síochána. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the report's publication, noting that it can help 'reduce the likelihood of future offending.' Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler highlighted the expansion of the Central Mental Hospital and the development of Crisis Resolution Teams as key achievements. She also referenced the Mental Health Bill, which concluded its passage through the Dáil on 9 July 2025. The new policing model An Garda Síochána has played a central role in implementing the Taskforce's recommendations, particularly through the CAST pilot in Limerick. The initiative, part of the broader 'Policing Service for the Future' strategy, is designed to support individuals experiencing situational trauma or mental health crises. A Garda spokesperson told Euractiv: 'The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated that societal-wide issues such as the mental health of individuals are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána alone… [recommending] the establishment of multi-agency teams (Crisis Intervention Team) that would include Gardaí to respond to the needs of individuals with mental health issues.' The CAST project, a partnership between An Garda Síochána and HSE Mid-West Mental Health Services, exemplifies this inter-agency approach. It is currently being trialled in the Limerick Garda Division. The Gardaí have also embedded mental health awareness into their operational framework. Over 3,500 personnel have received Mental Health First Aid training under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Mental Health First Aid Ireland in June 2023. In line with the new Policing Model, Gardaí are equipped to respond to critical incidents involving mental health crises. 'There are trained Garda Negotiators, Operational Commanders in every Garda Region throughout the country,' the spokesperson said. 'In recent years, An Garda Síochána has put a significant emphasis on our role as the first line of defence of the human rights of all people we come into contact with.' Ireland's efforts to reform the intersection of mental health, addiction, and the criminal justice system are being significantly underpinned by European Union policy and funding, aligning national priorities with broader EU objectives on public health, social inclusion, and human rights. The strategic and financial support from Brussels has enabled Ireland to advance initiatives such as the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, which seeks to divert vulnerable individuals away from incarceration and toward integrated care pathways. Convergence with EU priorities Ireland's national mental health strategy, 'Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone', is closely aligned with EU-level frameworks, including the EU Health Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights. These frameworks advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, with mental health increasingly recognised as a core component of public health policy. Ireland has also tapped into several EU funding streams to support its reform agenda. These include: European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), EU4Health Programme: and the Justice Programme. These funds are being used to scale up initiatives such as the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick and the national rollout of mental health training for Gardaí. As Ireland continues to embed a more humane and coordinated approach to mental health within its justice system, EU policy and funding remain critical enablers. They are reinforcing the country's commitment to reform while anchoring it within a broader European vision of inclusive, rights-based public health at a time of rising drug use in Ireland and a mental health crisis, particularly amongst young people. By Brian Maguire
Irish Independent
30-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Health Minister visits Carlow healthcare facilities during whistle-stop tour of county
On a whistle-stop tour of Carlow, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was brought to St Dympna's Woodlands Garden Project, Kevlin Court, the Sacred Heart Hospital, the site of the proposed minor injury unit, and the new ambulance base. The minister was accompanied by Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Carlow Kilkenny TD Catherine Callaghan, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Martina Queally of HSE Dublin and South East, senior regional management, leadership and staff across both community and hospital services. 'HSE Dublin and South East Estates provided an update to me on the injury unit and the new ambulance base, based on St Dympna's campus, both projects will be beneficial in providing the right care at the right time to those living in Carlow,' said Minister Carroll MacNeill during her visit to Carlow. 'It was great to have this opportunity to visit with my colleagues, Minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor and Catherine Callaghan TD and to see how much investment has been coming to Carlow and how much is to come to expand supports for those living in Carlow, who need them.' The first stop on the tour of Carlow was at St Dympha's Woodlands Garden Project which saw an area of overgrown ground transformed into a woodlands garden over the past year by staff and service users from the HSE's Carlow Mental Health Day Service Centre. Next, was a stop at Kevlin Court, a purpose built and self-contained residential intellectual disability care complex, which comprises of four bungalows (Barrow, Burren, Lir and Slaney). Located on St. Dympna's Hospital grounds, Kelvin Court provides medium‐to‐high support for up to 18 residents with intellectual disabilities. During the visit to Kelvin Court, the Health Minister was updated on the Photovoltaic (PV) installations at Kelvin Court, which has resulted in most of its own energy needs being met for the residents and staff of the disability care residential and support facilities. Minister Carroll MacNeill then visited the Sacred Heart Hospital, which is a 63-bed residential care centre facility, with accommodation arranged in three interconnecting units (the Sacred Heart, St. Clare's and St. James's units). During the visit, Ms Carroll MacNeill met with residents while they enjoyed their daily activities. Next on the whistle-stop tour was a visit to the proposed ten bay minor injuries unit, to be located at St. Dympna's Hospital. The unit will be under the remit of St. Luke's General Hospital. Minister Carroll MacNeill was briefed on plans for its development, its current progress by HSE Dublin and South East and how once fully operational, it will provide an alternative for patients with minor injuries instead of attending an emergency department. The final stop was at the site of the new ambulance base at Kelvin Grove. During her visit, the Health Minister heard how the design team will be appointed in the fourth quarter of 2025 after the project was included in the HSE Capital Plan. "Thank you to the Health Minister for coming to Carlow to visit our community-based healthcare facilities,' said Martina Queally of HSE Dublin and South East. "This gave us an opportunity to show the development of community healthcare facilities in Carlow over the last number of years and the importance of continued investment in community healthcare in this region. 'We look forward to growing and developing both hospital and community-based healthcare services and supporting those living in Carlow to access these services closer to home.'
RTÉ News
28-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Decision to open two new surgical hubs in north west not 'political', says minister
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said the decision to open two new surgical hubs in the north west region is based on the data available and not "anything political". The plans will see the construction of a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital in Co Donegal, a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services. It comes after regional HSE management had previously identified a site in Sligo as the sole preferred option for a new surgical hub in the north west region. That decision was strongly criticised by Donegal-based clinicians, who subsequently met with Minister Carroll MacNeill and raised their concerns with her in relation to "population need and geographical logic". Minister Carroll MacNeill has now given her support to the opening of two new surgical hubs, following a proposal from the CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE), Bernard Gloster. Such surgical hubs allow for the delivery of day-case surgeries and minor procedures. Speaking at Letterkenny University Hospital this afternoon, Minister Carroll MacNeill outlined her reasons for backing the opening of a hub in both Donegal and Sligo. Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "I appreciate that some of the narrative got hold that decisions had been made, but I have never made any decision until this weekend, when I got a business case from the HSE recommending two hubs, and I made a decision on that basis. "But I would say that my engagement in Sligo was very important, but my engagement here (in Donegal) was exceptionally important. "Being here on the 1st of May was very important. Listening and working with all of my Oireachtas colleagues and my ministerial colleagues. Everybody here, I met them, we talked to each other, we listened to each other. "I also had two very good meetings with the clinicians here, and I think all of those meetings were very, very important in not just understanding the need today, but understanding how surgery is developing and changing, understanding the demographic development of this region, the particular geographical pressures, and also seeing how impactful it is to deliver services locally, as we see in the Errigal hub, just just across the way." The Minister then went on to say: "This was the right decision, not because of a series of meetings, but because, from a data perspective and from a planning for the future perspective, this was just the right decision. "It's not anything political. This is the right thing for Donegal. This is the right thing for the north west. And I hope that we will see the benefit of these two surgical hubs, delivering for people to get quicker surgeries within a very short time." The Health Minister also added that her hope is for both hubs to be operational within two years. The plan, which has been given the green light today, will see the construction of a new stand-alone two-theatre surgical hub in Sligo. The Department of Health has said the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region, and it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to scheduled surgical care. Meanwhile, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs - 15 new and 15 replacement. The Department of Health has said this dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Co Donegal. The design of the new surgical hub in Letterkenny will also allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region. The HSE will now begin drawing up planning applications for both sites, which will be prepared in parallel and include engagement with Donegal and Sligo County Councils. Áine Keating, a consultant in emergency medicine at Letterkenny University Hospital, and Pádraig McGuinness, a GP based in Fánaid in Co Donegal, are both members of the Surgical Hub Campaign Team, who previously met with the Health Minister. Mr McGuinness said: "It's an incredible day for Donegal, it's an incredible day for this hospital. The surgical hub for us is a statement of intent, I guess, by the HSE, and certainly by the Minister that this hospital is here today, but also this hospital is going to be the best that it possibly can be, and the hub is the first step in that process. "The Minister has always been data-driven with us. She always wanted the facts and figures. She drills down into them with deep, deep detail, and by doing that, she could clearly see that the need was here for a surgical hub in Letterkenny and in Sligo. "At the start of this campaign, we always said the best outcome here is one in each town, and we're going to have one in each town now, and that means the patients from this county won't be travelling long distances for their health care for the years to come". Meanwhile, Ms Keating said: "This was a data-driven decision. We presented to her (the Minister) in two very effective meetings, where she listened to the compelling arguments and the compelling data that we had shown her about the health care needs in Donegal; that we have a massive population, a very busy hospital that we need to sustain and to maintain services here. And through that, she has been able to deliver a surgical hub for us here in Letterkenny." Ms Keating went on to say that the campaign group will now turn its attention towards trying to get the surgical hub over the line in a time-effective manner, and it will be working closely with management throughout this process. Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer for the HSE west and north west Tony Canavan, said the hubs will be "really important" in terms of reducing the waiting lists for elective procedures in counties Donegal and Sligo. Mr Canavan said: "These surgical hubs would mean that we would be able to treat patients much more quickly and with much greater degree of certainty." He went on to say that: "In Letterkenny, the hub that we're proposing to develop will also include day beds for people that are receiving oncology treatments, 15 brand new beds and a replacement 15 as well. "That will mean that people from Donegal can receive their chemotherapy close to home, and would be able to plan for that into the future as well". Mr Canavan also admitted that it will be a "challenge" to staff the new surgical hubs. He said: "There's no doubt it will be a challenge to staff all of these existing and additional services. That said, we have a model in place because we're developing surgical hubs in other locations around the country. "We will be using that model as a basis on which to work from for both the hub here in Letterkenny and the one in Sligo." The HSE classes a surgical hub as a facility which deals with "high volume, low complexity" elective procedures, treatments and diagnostics. Such elective procedures include biopsies, endoscopies, steroid injections, carpal tunnel treatment, tonsillectomies, cataract treatments, varicose veins treatments, hernia repairs and other keyhole surgeries. Once operational, each surgical hub is expected to deliver over 28,000 day-to-day cases, minor operations and outpatient consultations every year.
RTÉ News
28-07-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
Minister for Health backs opening of two new surgical hubs in north west
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has given her backing for the opening of two new surgical hubs in the north west region. The plans will see the construction of a new surgical hub close to Sligo University Hospital, while at Letterkenny University Hospital in Co Donegal, a new surgical hub is proposed along with expanded oncology services. It comes after regional HSE management had previously identified a site in Sligo as the sole preferred option for a new surgical hub in the north west region. That decision was strongly criticised by Donegal-based clinicians, who subsequently met with Minister Carroll MacNeill and raised their concerns with her in relation to "population need and geographical logic". Minister Carroll MacNeill has now given her support to the opening of two new surgical hubs, following a proposal from CEO of the Health Service Executive (HSE) Bernard Gloster. Such surgical hubs allow for the delivery of day-case surgeries and minor procedures. The plan, which has been given the green light today, will see the construction of a new stand-alone two-theatre surgical hub in Sligo. The Department of Health has said the facility will significantly expand elective surgical capacity in the region, and it will help reduce waiting times and improve access to scheduled surgical care. Meanwhile, a new two-theatre surgical hub will be built beside the existing Letterkenny University Hospital building, along with the addition of 30 ambulatory day oncology chairs - 15 new and 15 replacement. The Department of Health has said this dual investment will enhance both surgical and cancer treatment services in Co Donegal. The design of the new surgical hub in Letterkenny will also allow for future vertical expansion, addressing the long-term need for additional bed capacity in the region. The HSE will now begin drawing up planning applications for both sites, which will be prepared in parallel and include engagement with Donegal and Sligo county councils. In a statement issued this morning, the Minister for Health said increasing surgical activity in the west and north west of the country is a "clear priority" for the Government. Minister Carroll MacNeill said: "Today marks an important milestone in delivering on that commitment, and I am happy to support this proposal from the HSE. "I know Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West North West, and his team will now begin progressing these proposals, working closely with hospital management, clinical specialities, and the estates team to advance the design phase, secure planning permission, and prepare for tendering the construction works. "These investments align with our Ambulatory Elective Day Care Strategy and the National Cancer Control Programme. They will ensure that patients in the North-West have timely access to high-quality surgical and oncology care. "I look forward to returning to see the progress of these developments, which will make a real and lasting difference to people's lives in the region," the minister added. The HSE classes a surgical hub as a facility which deals with "high volume, low complexity" elective procedures, treatments and diagnostics. Such elective procedures include biopsies, endoscopies, steroid injections, carpal tunnel treatment, tonsillectomies, cataract treatments, varicose veins treatments, hernia repairs and other keyhole surgeries. Once operational, each surgical hub is expected to deliver over 28,000 day-to-day cases, minor operations and outpatient consultations every year.
