COMMITTEE FOR HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 6 DECEMBER 2007
Senate Chamber, 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
Ms Sue Ramsey MLA
Rev Robert Coulter MLA
Mrs Carmel Hanna MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Hugh Farren (Clerk)
Mr Mark McQuade (Assistant Clerk)
Mrs Noelle Bourke (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Joe Westland (Clerical Supervisor)
Miss Ruth Barry (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr John McCallister MLA
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA
The meeting commenced at 2.34 p.m. in public session
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Apologies
Apologies as listed above.
2.35 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher left the meeting.
2.39 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagher returned to the meeting
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Chairperson’s Business
Members noted that a meeting had taken place earlier today with representatives of the ‘Allied Health Professionals’ and that a note of the meeting would be circulated in due course.
The Committee approved Christmas cards to be issued on behalf of the Committee.
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Draft Minutes of the Meetings held on 29 November2007
The draft minutes of the meeting held on 29 November 2007 were agreed.
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Matters arising
Members noted a response from the Speaker about the time allocated for debates on Private Members Motions.
Members noted that the Department had provided a copy of the Omagh Hospital Complex business case and that a copy is available in the Committee Office if any Members wish to read this.
Members noted that the Minister had provided further information on inescapable budget requirements.
Members noted a transcript of the evidence provided to the Committee by Dr Rory O’Connor during their visit to Scotland.
Members noted a response from the Food Standards Agency to issues raised in the Committee meeting 27 September 2007 about the declaration of allergens on restaurant menus.
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Evidence Session with the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety on the Draft Budget.
The Minister was accompanied by:
Dr Andrew McCormick, Permanent Secretary
Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer
Don Hill, Deputy Secretary
Julie Thompson, Director of FinanceMembers discussed the Draft Budget with the Minister:
The Chairperson thanked the Minister and officials for attending.
2.39 p.m. Mrs Carmel Hanna arrived.
3.40 p.m. Mr Alex Easton left the meeting.
3.44 p.m. Mr Alex Easton returned to the meeting.
3.44 p.m. MrThomas Buchanan arrived.
4.35p.m. Meeting adjourned
4.50p.m. Meeting resumed in Private Session
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Departmental Consultation: Improving Stroke Services in Northern Ireland
The Committee agreed that it would invite comments in writing from relevant organisations, and would then take evidence from Departmental officials and voluntary groups.
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Public Health (Amendment) Bill
The Committee agreed to issue a Public Notice and write to relevant organisations inviting views by 11 January 2007.
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Consideration of the Committee Response to the Draft budget
The Committee debated a response for the Draft budget and agreed that a draft paper would be prepared for the next meeting.
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Correspondence/Press Cuttings/Releases
Members noted a report received from the Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem for 2006-2007.
The Committee agreed that Praxis Care Group should be added to the list of organisations requesting a meeting with the Committee.
Members noted a breakdown of the cost of Local Commissioning Groups supplied by the Department in response to a written question.
Members noted receipt of the November/ December 2007 edition of GMC today.
Members noted a letter from Elaine Jennings, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and agreed to pass this to the Eastern Heath Board for a response.
The Committee agreed that Alpha 5 should be added to the list of organisations requesting a meeting with the Committee.
6.02 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallaher left the meeting
6.02 p.m. Rev Robert Coulter left the meeting
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Any other business
The Committee agreed to ask the Department for an update on the transfer of prison healthcare from the Northern Ireland Office.
The Committee agreed to request information on redundancies -and the re- employment of Managers within the Trusts.
The Committee agreed to request a breakdown of the management structures of the five new Trusts.
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Date, time and place of the next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Thursday 13 December 2007 at 2.30 p.m. in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 6.13 p.m.
Signed:
Chairperson
Date: