20th July 2011
Jerry Buttimer, TD for Cork South Central was today elected as Chairman to the key Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
The Committee will shadow the activities of the Department of Health and Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Speaking after his election, Jerry Buttimer TD said;
“I would like to sincerely thank members of the committee for electing me as Chairman. It is a great honour and privilege to be elected Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children
It is my aim and intention to work with each committee member in a genuine spirit of partnership and co-operation. I will act at all times in a non- partisan, non-political manner to ensure the business of the committee is conducted in a fair, open and transparent manner.
I believe the Committee has an important role in monitoring two significant Government Departments. Over the last number of weeks both Departments have been the centre of public attention due to the highly sensitive and emotive matters with which they deal.
In the area of Health our focus must be patient safety and the delivery of services which comply with modern best practice. At all times we must recognise the needs of the people whom we serve and ensure that facilities and services are both safe and of the highest standard.
The Cloyne Report has again highlighted the importance of children’s rights. The Committee will work with the Minister for Children to ensure the prioritisation of the proposed referendum on children’s rights and that all arms of the State and all bodies dealing with children comply fully with the Children First Guidelines.”