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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF Present: Dr J Hendron (Chairman) Apologies: Ms C Hanna In Attendance: Mr G Martin (Committee Clerk)
Dr Hendron took the Chair at 2:05pm.
Private Session
The Chairman reported on his visit yesterday with Ms McWilliams to the Ulster Hospital, where they were shocked at the extent of pressures being exerted on staff and services, with 22 patients waiting on trolleys and six in chairs. They expressed their profound admiration for the dedication and skills of staff at all levels, who are working under the most trying circumstances in old and dilapidated buildings. The Committee's concerns are highlighted in a press statement issued yesterday.
The minute of the meetings of 10 and 12 October respectively were agreed.
Agreed: Further to the Committee's meeting with Minister de Brún on Friday, 10 October, the Chairman will write to request a meeting of a Committee delegation with the acting First Minister and Deputy First Minister, together with the Minister for Finance and Personnel, in relation to the general funding crisis in the Health Service. It was also agreed that the Chairman should write to all Ministers seeking their support for increased funding for health in the 2002/03 budget.
i. Question put and agreed to: That the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee has considered Statutory Rule No.339 - General Ophthalmic Services (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules being satisfied as to its technical correctness, has no objection to the Rule. Notwithstanding the Committee's outstanding concern lodged with the Department regarding the Rule's timing and inadequate advance notification, members agreed the above motion in order not to affect the implementation of the legislation. ii. The Committee noted the proposal for the following Statutory Instrument: Medicines (Products Other Than Veterinary Drugs) (General Sale List) Amendment (No.2) Order 2001 and the Medicines (Sale or Supply) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Regulations 2001
Public Session
Panel Members: Mr Don Hill, Deputy Secretary
The Chairman welcomed the panel to the meeting at 2:25 pm, after which Mr Hill spoke to a briefing paper on the outcome for the Department of the Executive Draft Budget, which had been copied in advance to the members. This was followed by a question-and-answer session, which is summarised in Annexe 1. The Chairman thanked the panel, and they left the meeting at 4:20 pm. Mr Hill explained that the Department had received just £31.1m out of its total bid of £122.6m over and above the indicative baseline for 2002/03. This means, in effect, that only those inescapable commitments largely related to pay and price movements can be met for the year, leaving nothing for essential developments across a range of services. Currently, no additional resources have been identified for regional hospital services, additional capacity in the general hospital sector, additional community care packages, and mental health and learning disability services.
Ms Ramsey, Mr Berry and Ms Armitage left the meeting at 3:35, 3:45 pm and 4:21 pm respectively.
Assembly Researchers, Mr Rab McConaghy and Mr Hugh Widds, presented a paper on the main issues for the Department arising from OFMDFM's consultation paper on a victims' strategy. The Clerk will produce a draft Committee response to the consultation document for next week's meeting, based on the findings of the Research Team.
The Committee deliberated. Members will continue their consideration of the draft paper, as amended, at next week's meeting.
Rev R Coulter and Mr Kelly left the meeting at 5:00 pm and 5:05 pm respectively.
The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday, 24 October 2001 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting ended at 5:07 pm. DR J HENDRON |
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