COMMITTEE FOR HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2007
Room 135, Parliament Buildings
Present: Mrs Iris Robinson MP MLA (Chairperson)
Ms Michelle O’Neill MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan MLA
Dr Kieran Deeny MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Mr Tommy Gallaher MLA
Mr John McCallister MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
Ms Sue Ramsey MLA
Rev Robert Coulter MLA
Mrs Carmel Hanna MLA
In Attendance: Mr Hugh Farren (Clerk)
Mrs Elaine Farrell (Assistant Clerk)
Mrs Noelle Bourke (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Joe Westland (Clerical Supervisor)
Miss Ruth Barry (Clerical Officer)
The meeting opened in closed session at 10.16 a.m.
Deputy Chairperson in the chair.
Dr Kieran Deeney arrived at 10.34 p.m.
Mrs Iris Robinson arrived at 11.10 a.m. and took the chair.
Consideration of the draft budget
The Committee were briefed by Professor Ciaran O’Neill, Health Economist, Queens University, followed by consideration of the draft budget. Professor O’Neill agreed to provide additional information on a number of issues.
The meeting adjourned at 12.15 p.m.
The meeting recommenced in public session at 2.32 p.m.
1. Apologies
There were no apologies
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson reported that a successful reception had been held in the Long Gallery on Monday 26 November 2007, in which a number of health-related groups attended and met with Committee members. The Chairperson thanked the Members for attending and helping to make the event a success.
3. Draft Minutes of the Meetings held on 22 and 23 November 2007
The minutes of the meetings held on 22 and 23 November 2007 were agreed.
4. Matters arising
The Chairperson reported that during the recent Committee visit to Scotland, a report entitled “A New Deal for Depression and Anxiety Disorders” by Lord Layard had been referred to and was now provided for Members information.
2.35 p.m. Ms Michelle O’Neill arrived.
2.36 p.m. Dr Kieran Deeny arrived.
2.42 p.m. Mrs Carmel Hanna arrived.
2.43 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher arrived.
5. Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm
Evidence session with the Rural Community Network and the Niamh Louise Foundation.
Members took evidence from:
Raymond Craig Oakleaf Rural Support Network
Michele Baird South Antrim Rural Support Network
Catherine McBennett Niamh Louise Foundation
James McBennett Niamh Louise Foundation
2.50 p.m. Mr John McCallister arrived.
3.05 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher left the meeting.
3.25 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher returned to the meeting
A question and answer session ensued. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for attending.
3.36 p.m. Mr Thomas Buchanan left the meeting.
3.38 p.m. Ms Sue Ramsey left the meeting.
3.38 p.m. Ms Carál Ní Chuilín left the meeting.
Evidence session with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Members took evidence from:
Mr Colm Donaghy Chief Executive, SHSCT
Mr Francis Rice Director of Mental Health and Disability Services
3.48 p.m. Mr Carál Ní Chuilín returned to the meeting.
3.55 p.m. Ms Sue Ramsey returned to the meeting.
4.00 p.m. Mrs Carmel Hanna left the meeting.
A question and answer session ensued. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for attending.
4.42 p.m. The Chairperson left the meeting.
4.42 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher left the meeting.
4.42 p.m. The Deputy Chairperson took the chair.
6. Proposal for Statutory Rule by the Food Standards Agency
The Committee were briefed by Mr Jim Ross, Head of Food Standards Agency Meat Hygiene and Imported Food Division on a proposal for a Statutory Rule.
The Committee deferred consideration of The Draft Meat (Official Controls Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. Officials were asked to provide a copy of the consultation document and further information on charges and the Equality Impact Assessment.
7. Correspondence/Press Cuttings/Releases
The Committee agreed that the Eastern Health and Social Services Council should be invited to address the Committee in relation to the resettlement of patients from Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
The Committee agreed to meet Conservation Volunteers in relation to the Inquiry into Suicide and Self Harm.
The Committee noted correspondence from Hayes Healthcare Consulting.
The Committee noted correspondence from Professor Roy McClelland about the establishment of the Board for Mental Health and Learning Disability.
The Committee noted a document from the Department entitled High Level Equality Impact Assessment on the Transformation of Business Services in Health and Social Care – Shared Service. The Committee requested that clarification should be sought in relation to this document.
The Committee noted the Public Accounts Committee Forward Plan for January to March 2008.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission and agreed that the Commission be invited to address the Committee about the work of the Committee and the implications of RPA.
8. Any other business
The Deputy Chairperson advised the Committee that the Public Health (Amendment) Bill will receive its second reading on 4 December 2007 and following this it will be referred to the Committee for the “Committee Stage” of the Bill.
The Deputy Chairperson advised the Committee that there will be a legislative consent motion in the Assembly on Monday 3 December 2007 in relation to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.
The Committee noted the Forward Work Plan and agreed to visit the Mater Hospital on 10 January as part of the suicide inquiry. The Committee agreed to rearrange a visit to the Northern Trust in Antrim to 24 January 2008.The Committee agreed to invite Allied Health Professions to the next suitable lunchtime meeting.
The Committee expressed concern that all information between the Department and Professor Appleby in relation to the budget had not been released to the Committee. The Committee agreed to pursue full disclosure of this correspondence. The Committee agreed that Professor Appleby be invited to give evidence to the Committee as soon as possible.
The Committee expressed concern in relation to a recent consultation document by the Western Health and Social Services Board entitled “Professional Nursing Structure November 2007, Consultation of the 4th Tier Structure. The Committee agreed to write to the Board seeking clarification.
The Committee agreed to seek a comparison of the Senior Management Structures in the old trusts and the new trusts.
9. Date, time and place of the next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Thursday 6 December 2007 at 2.00 p.m. in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.
The Deputy Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 5.10 p.m.
Signed: ______________________________
Chairperson
Date: ________________________________