The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children will invite three Irish clinics involved in providing the controversial PIP silicone breast implants to attend a meeting to discuss the issue of PIP silicone breast implants and the use of non-medical grade silicone.
 
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “As part of our on-going hearings into the use of industrial grade silicone for breast implants instead of a grade for use in medical products by French company Poly Implant Prothese, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, addressed the committee.
 
Dr Holohan was very forthright and upfront when answering questions posed by members of the Committee. The Committee is pleased that he has taken the initiative to meet with the women affected, as it is important that Dr Holohan directly hears their concerns.
 
This issue has caused much anxiety and concern and raised questions about potential safety risks for many women internationally and here in this country. In Ireland, around 1,500 women have been identified as having received PIP implants between 2001 and 2010.
 
Regulation of clinics providing this surgery and other cosmetic surgeries in Ireland is an area of concern, so we welcome the news by the Chief Medical Officer that the Department of Health is preparing legislation dealing with the regulation of cosmetic surgery and hope that it can be advanced quickly.
 
In a continuation of our meetings the Committee will write to the three Irish clinics involved in providing the breast implants in this country to ask them to appear before the Committee.
 
We are particularly concerned at the level of assistance being offered to women affected. The health, safety and well-being of the women involved are of primary importance. We would like to know what advice is being given to patients, what options are being made available to the affected women and what systems have been put in place by the clinics to advise and treat their former patients. The women affected should not have to bear the cost of fixing someone else’s error.
 
The Committee will want to explore the issues raised with the aim of ensuring that concerns of patients are dealt with in a sympathetic manner and make sure that they receive appropriate aftercare and management.”
 
ENDS

Posted under Health, National Work

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has said the widespread consultations that will take place with stakeholders and groups working with children on a daily basis will be a key element in preparing the Children First Bill.
 
“The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, TD, has asked the Committee on Health and Children to play an active role in preparing the Children First Bill.  Given the importance of the proposed legislation, the Committee has agreed to concentrate on the Bill for five weeks.
 
“The Children First Bill is about aligning the law with what is right, it is about bringing an end to any remaining attitudes that may choose to ignore child abuse and neglect.  It will no longer be an option to have child protection as a priority; compliance with Children First will be mandatory, not voluntary.
 
“For the Children First legislation to be effective we must have an open dialogue with those groups who will be working with it on a daily basis.  The Committee will work to give these groups an opportunity to contribute to the formulation of this legislation.
 
“As part of this process we will hold a series of meetings with key stakeholders in the areas of child protection.  The Committee proposes meeting advocacy and representative groups, government departments and voluntary organisations working in sports and youth activities.  We will also meet with key lead personnel in child protection, child law and children and family services.  Giving these groups the opportunity to contribute will enable their practical day-to-day experience to inform the legislative process.
 
“It is in the interest of all in society, all children and parents that the Children First legislation is practical and effective. It must deliver a reformed child protection regime.  The Minister’s engaging approach prior to the publication of the legislation will help to achieve this outcome.”
 
Ends

Posted under Health, National Work, Youth

Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has called for a collective response to ensure Cork city remains a safe place to live, shop, visit and work.  Deputy Buttimer was speaking after a meeting of the Cork City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.
 
“Latest crime statistics for Cork City show a reduction in property crime, theft, criminal damage and public order offences.  These are very welcome developments.  Figures show that the number of assaults causing harm across the city division has fallen by 20%; however the number of assaults in the city centre has increased.  Compared to the same period last year this year’s figures are up by 26%, albeit from a low base.
 
“The city centre is a vibrant place to live, socialise and work, it is a place where people feel safe.  Despite this it is disappointing that the number of assaults in the city centre has increased; this is a trend that must be reversed.  We all have a collective social responsibility to address the underlying causes.
 
“These figures were provided by the Gardaí at a meeting of the City Centre Business Community Safety Forum.  Gardaí suggested that the increase was due to the use of alcohol and other accelerants, it is a sign of increased aggression on our streets late at night.
 
“In Cork the Gardaí have increased their visibility in the city centre at key times.  If it wasn’t for this proactive policing approach I fear that the trend would be worse.  I commend the Gardaí for the work they are doing across the city, it is in the interest of everyone working and living in the city that this continues.
 
“Locally we must take action to make our streets even safer.  There must be continued engagement between the Council, Gardaí, alcohol retailers and security companies.  Co-operation and common purpose are essential in addressing the problems.  As an immediate step the city bye laws on the confiscation of alcohol being consumed on the streets must be implemented.  These initiatives are essential to enhancing our city, making it a better place to live, shop, work and visit.”
 
“As a society we must change our attitudes towards alcohol.  Over the years our alcohol consumption has increased, as a result alcohol related illnesses no longer only affect middle-aged and older people.  Healthcare workers are now seeing the impact of excessive use among younger adults.  To address these issues we must change our national attitude towards alcohol, we must end our tolerance of alcohol misuse.
 
“Earlier this year I launched a report on the misuse of alcohol and other drugs, this highlighted the social problems caused by misuse.  As chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I have begun a process of engagement with Minister of State, Roisín Shortall TD, in developing policy based on the Committee’s report and that of the National Steering Group.  Key elements in this policy will be controlling alcohol promotion and pricing.”

Posted under Cork City, Crime, Health, Justice & Equality