Minutes of Proceedings

COMMITTEE FOR HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 13 March 2008
Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings

Present: 
M rs Iris Robinson MP MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan MLA 
Dr Kieran Deeny MLA 
Mr Alex Easton MLA 
Mr Tommy Gallagher MLA
Mr John McCallister MLA 
Ms Michelle O’Neill MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Sue Ramsey MLA

In Attendance: 
Mr Hugh Farren (Clerk)
Mr Mark McQuade (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Alister Strain (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Joe Westland (Clerical Officer)

Apologies:
Rev Robert Coulter MLA 
Mrs Carmel Hanna MLA 
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA

The meeting commenced at 2.35 p.m. in public session.

1. Apologies

Apologies as listed above.

2. Chairperson’s Business

The Chairperson reported that an informal lunchtime meeting had taken place earlier today with representatives of the Long Term Conditions Alliance. A note of the meeting will be circulated in due course.

The Committee discussed the sponsorship of Committee events and agreed that the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and another Member would sponsor Committee events.

The chairperson informed the Committee about a meeting she had with Breedagh Hughes from the Royal College of Midwives regarding the lack of services available for mothers suffering from Depression. Members agreed to invite Representatives of the Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Physiatrists and other specialists to give evidence to the Committee following recess.

3. Draft Minutes of the Meetings held on 6 March 2008

The draft minutes of the meeting held on 6 March 2008were agreed.

2.47p.m. Mr John McCallister left the meeting.

4. Matters arising

Members noted a response from the Minister about a review of pathology services and agreed to forward this to Dr Michael McKenna.

The Committee noted a response from the Minister about staff wearing uniforms outside work and the provision of single sex wards. Members highlighted the need for changing areas to be made available for staff.

Members noted a response from the Minister about a dispute at Enniskillen Fire Station about a commemorative picture.

The Committee noted a copy of letter from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to Dr Glover about breast screening services.

Members noted a response from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust about issues raised by Mr Ray Hamilton and agreed to forward this to Mr Hamilton.

Members noted a letter from Pieta House.

The Committee noted a summary of key points arising from an informal meeting with Healthcare Trade Unions.

The Committee noted a summary of key points arising from an informal meeting with Beechgrove Glencregagh Residents Association and agreed to write to the Minister about their concerns.

Members considered a response from Elaine Way to a letter from Mrs Iris McCann about ambulance cover and emergency cover at Tyrone County Hospital. Members expressed concerns particularly about the lack of cardiac ambulance services. The Committee agreed that Members from the area would investigate further and report back to the Committee.

Members noted a letter from the Minister about the transfer of the responsibility for prison healthcare to DHSSPS from 1 April 2008.

Members noted a letter from Mr. John Moloney, T.D, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children who will be visiting the Assembly in May. The Committee agreed to arrange to meet with Mr Maloney during his visit.

5. Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm Evidence session with Sport NI

Members took evidence from the following witnesses:
Professor Eamonn McCartan CEO, Sport NI 
Dr John Kremer Queens University, Belfast

A question and answer session ensued. Professor McCartan agreed to send the Committee a copy of research carried out by Dr Murphy. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for attending.

3.08 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagherjoined the meeting.

6. Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm Evidence session with the Health and Social Services Councils

Members took evidence from the following witnesses:
Noel Graham Chief Officer, Northern Health & Social Services Council
Maggie Reilly Chief Officer, Western Health & Social Services Council

The Chairperson apologised for the evidence session previously being postponed at short notice. A question and answer session ensued. The Chairperson thanked the witnesses for attending.

3.34 p.m. Ms Sue Ramsey left the meeting. 
3.56 p.m. Ms Sue Ramsey rejoined the meeting. 
3.56 p.m. Mr John McCallister rejoined the meeting. 
4.02 p.m. Mr Tommy Gallagherleft the meeting.
4.12 p.m. Mr Thomas Buchanan joined the meeting.

7. Proposals for Statutory Rules

Members were briefed byJanet Moore and Gerard Collins, Population Health Directorate, DHSSPS on The Healthy Start Scheme and Day Care Food Scheme (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008

Members agreed they were content that the Department proceeds to prepare the relevant Statutory Rule.

Members were briefed by Eilis McDaniel and Pamela Mallon, Child Care Directorate, DHSSPS on the Care Tribunal (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008.

The Committee noted a briefing paper from the NSPCC.

Members agreed they were content that the Department proceeds to prepare the relevant Statutory Rule. The Committee agreed that given the importance of the issue to the Committees for Education, Culture Arts & Leisure, Employment & learning and Social Development the proposed regulation and background papers should be forwarded to these committees for information.

Members were briefed by Heather Robinson, Equality & Public Safety Directorate, DHSSPS on the Firefighters' Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2008.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration on the proposed Statutory Rule pending further information from the Department about consultation with the Fire Brigades Union.

Members were briefed byBryan Bailie, Primary Care Directorate, DHSSPS on the Increases to the Sight Test Fee and Continuing Education and Training (CET) Allowances.

Members agreed they were content that the Department proceeds to prepare the relevant Statutory Rule.

Members were briefed by Bryan Bailie and Ernie Swain, Primary Care Directorate, DHSSPS on the Optical Charges and Payments (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2008.

Members agreed they were content that the Department proceeds to prepare the relevant Statutory Rule.

8. Proposed Statutory Rule from the Food Standards Agency

Members were briefed by Kirsten Dunbar Head of FSANI Primary Production Unit on the Feeding stuffs (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008.

Members agreed they were content that the Food Standards Agency proceeds to prepare the relevant Statutory Rule.

9. Correspondence/Press Cuttings/Releases

Members noted a letter from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister & Deputy First Minister about the Budget figures for Children and Young People.

The Committee noted a letter from the Committee for Culture, Arts & Leisure forwarding submissions from the GAA, IFA and Ulster Rugby showing how they believe increased investment in sport would contribute to healthy living, well-being and combating obesity.

Members noted a Memo from the Committee for Finance & Personnel about Public Procurement Awareness Workshop for MLAs.

The Committee noted a letter from British Medical Association.

Members noted a letter from the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Forum requesting a meeting with the committee and agreed that they should be invited to an informal meeting with the Committee.

The Committee noted a letter from a Mr Cecil Adair about the cancellation of his treatment. Members agreed to write to the Minister about Mr Adair’s treatment.

Members noted a letter from Convatec requesting a meeting with the committee and agreed that they should be invited to an informal meeting with the Committee.

The Committee noted an e mail from Kellie Armstrong about NHS Dental Provision. Members agreed to write to Mrs Armstrong about this.

Members noted a letter from Southern Area Children and Young People’s Committee.

Members noted a letter from Children’s Independent Therapy requesting a meeting with the committee and agreed that they should be invited to an informal meeting with the Committee.

The Committee noted an invitation from Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health to an event ‘Investing in Mental Health – A Cultural Imperative’ in the Long Gallery on Tuesday 15 April 2008.

Members noted the annual report and accounts 2003/04 from the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board.

Members noted a letter from the Association for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus requesting a meeting with the committee and agreed that they should be invited to meet with the Committee.

10. Any other business

The Committee agreed to meet to discuss the forward work programme at 12.30p.m on Thursday 3 April 2008.

Members agreed to write to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust about the withdrawal of x-ray services at Ballycastle .

Members agreed to write to the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust about reports that the x-ray department at Bangor Hospital had not been working for the last 5 months.

The committee agreed to write to the Minister for an update on the review of the policy on IVF fertility waiting lists agreed to by the Minister on 25 October 2007.

11. Date, time and place of the next meeting

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 3 April 2008 at 2.30 p.m. in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4.53 p.m.