1.
Introduction
The topic I chose for the
media evaluation log was Dr James Reilly Minister for Health. My reasons for
choosing this topic were not only because of my interest in politics but also
he holds one of the most controversial positions in Irish Politics. The media
evaluation log monitors the period from which Dr Reilly came in for sharp
criticism over the selection criteria for primary care sites in his
constituency on the 1st of October 2012 to when the location of the
proposed national children’s hospital was gaining attention later that very
same month. The media evaluation log
includes.
·
Extracts of television and radio coverage
·
Electronic media coverage (i.e. twitter
and Facebook)
·
Press releases
·
Summary of media evaluation log.
Press Releases
Fianna Fail 02/10/12
Special Notice Question to Minister Reilly on Primary Care Centres
Fianna Fáil has
submitted the following Special Notice Question ahead of this afternoon’s Dáil
sitting:
“As the roll out of
future primary care centres is of national concern I am asking that Minister
James Reilly explain to the House the recent criteria he used to add fifteen
centres to the primary care list and to clarify what criteria will be used for
future Primary Care Centres, and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
Latest Attempt to get to Truth on Reilly list Blocked – Kelleher
Fianna Fáil Health
Spokesperson Billy Kelleher has expressed his disappointment that a Special
Notice Question on the addition of 15 locations to the Primary Care List by
Minister James Reilly has been refused for debate in the Dáil today.
Deputy Kelleher
said: “We have the ludicrous situation where Minister Reilly’s own Cabinet
colleagues are in the media calling for more information on the criteria he
applied, but when we take action to try and create the space for him to be
properly questioned, we are blocked. This is a disgraceful way to treat the
Dáil.
“Unfortunately this
latest attempt to close down discussion is symptomatic of an approach from Fine
Gael and Labour which uses fine words about political reform, but has no actual
interest in openness or transparency.
“There is a genuine
sense now that the Government is concerned about where this debate might go if
we’re allowed to have it, so they simply try to close it down. However, I
intend to continue questioning the Minister until I get the answers the country
deserves
Fianna Fail 5/10/12
Cuts to home-help services demonstrate extent of Reilly’s failure – Kelleher
Fianna
Fáil Spokesperson on Health Billy Kelleher has condemned the cuts to home-help
services which will impact the most vulnerable as the winter approaches.
Deputy
Kelleher said: “The absolute failure of Minister Reilly to manage the health
budget means severe cuts are now being implemented in a chaotic and ham-fisted
way as the Minister and the HSE scramble to save money before the end of the
year.
“The HSE
is proceeding to cut €8 million from home help services between now and
Christmas. This is on top of 500,000 home-help hours being cut earlier in the
year. It betrays the of Minister Reilly’s promise of minimising the impact of
these cuts on the most vulnerable.
“Home
helps provide vital services to families in need and in particular older people
all around the country. These cuts are mean spirited and will have a direct
impact on people’s daily lives.
“It is
clear that if Minister Reilly had heeded the warnings from Fianna Fáil as early
as March this year that the health budget for 2012 was misleading and could not
be met then he would not have to resort to savage cuts to frontline services.
The most vulnerable in our society should not be forced to pay for his
failure.”
Secret Labour Letter fuels fresh questions for Tánaiste – Kelleher
Fianna
Fáil Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher has described the contents of a leaked
letter from Colm Keaveney to Labour Party representatives as “extraordinary”.
Deputy
Kelleher said: “The Tánaiste came into the Dáil yesterday with what we were led
to believe was a full explanation of the controversy surrounding James Reilly’s
Primary Care Centre debacle. Now we find out the Chairman of the Labour Party
has secretly written to Party members revealing that in fact the Tánaiste has
held back key information from the Dáil and the Irish people.
“It is
essential that Eamon Gilmore come forward today and inform the public and
explain what key facts he thinks we are missing which would explain sorry saga.
“Is it the
case that Tánaiste was actually aware of the ties between the owner of the
Balbriggan site and the Minister for Health? Does he have additional
information on the reasons behind Roisin Shortall’s abrupt resignation?
“The
contempt that the Labour Party has shown for the Dáil and the Irish public on
this issue is deeply disappointing and should be addressed and rectified
today.”
07/10/12 Fianna Fail
Reilly letter raises more questions about Dáil account on primary care debacle – Ó Fearghaíl
Fianna
Fáil Party Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl has said the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister
for Health must immediately address fresh questions about the Minister’s level
of knowledge of where primary care centres were to be located in his own
constituency.
Deputy Ó
Fearghaíl said a letter revealed in the Sunday Business Post from
Minister Reilly to Balbriggan Town Council is further proof that the Minister
has misled the Dáil and has more questions to answer.
“What more
needs to happen before the Taoiseach starts showing some leadership on this?”
asked Deputy Ó Fearghaíl.
“Yet again
we have evidence that Minister Reilly has failed to tell the truth about his
role in selecting primary care sites in his own constituency. The Minister has
been given ample opportunity to clearly explain the criteria used for selecting
certain sites over others, and to come clean on his involvement in this
process. The fact that he has failed to give any coherent and plausible
explanation is proof that there simply isn’t one.
“I find it
incredible that the Fine Gael and Labour coalition continue to support Minister
Reilly’s position. What more will it take for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to
start taking control of this situation? It is time we heard the whole truth
from Minister Reilly.”
“The contempt that the Labour Party has shown
for the Dáil and the Irish public on this issue is deeply disappointing and
should be addressed and rectified today.”
Fianna Fail 12/10/12
Reilly must explain why September’s ‘breakthrough’ with Consultants has turned to dust – Kelleher
Spokesperson
on Health Billy Kelleher has said there will be widespread disappointment at
the breakdown in talks with Hospital Consultants on new work arrangements
following Minister’s declaration of a ‘breakthrough’ in negotiations less than
four weeks ago. Deputy Kelleher said: “It is clear now that Minister Reilly was
misleading the public when he hailed his major breakthrough on September 17th,
in an effort to divert attention from his disastrous handling of the Primary
Care Centre announcement.
“The
Minister has a responsibility beyond simply seeking to generate positive
headlines for himself. We were promised a new dawn in the Programme for
Government when it came to dealing with Hospital Consultants and again in
September Minister Reilly hailed a significant breakthrough in talks only to
see them turn to dust in a matter of weeks.
“There is
a strong case to be made that the Irish Hospital Consultants Association are
not social partners and there is scope for the Minister to take a stronger
stand in the negotiations. Instead of talking about the need to ‘get tough’, he
could actually do it.
“Once
again, Minister Reilly is failing to deliver and frontline services will
continue to be affected by his inaction and lack of delivery. Minister Reilly’s
false dawn with the Consultants last month only adds to the growing sense that
he is not the man to lead positive change in the health service and it is time
for the Taoiseach to honour his commitment to sack underperforming Ministers
and remove James Reilly as Minister for Health.”
15/10/12 Department of Health
New drug deal worth €400 million over three years says Minister Reilly
15/10 Department of Health
The Minister
for Health Dr James Reilly has today (15th October, 2012) announced that
intensive negotiations involving the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association
(IPHA), the HSE and the Department of Health have reached a successful
conclusion with a major new deal on the cost of drugs in the State. The deal is
an important step in reducing the cost base of the health system. The new deal,
with a value in excess of €400 million over the next three years, will mean
- significant reductions for patients in the cost of drugs,
- a lowering of the drugs bill to the State,
- greater access to new cutting-edge drugs for certain conditions, and
- An easing of financial pressure on the health services into the future.
The deal is
beneficial in two broad ways,
- about half the financial value is related to reductions in the cost of patent and off-patent drugs
- The other half is related to the State securing the provision of new and innovative drugs for the duration of the agreement in an exceptionally difficult economic climate.
Dr Reilly
congratulated all parties to the complicated, protracted negotiations for
concluding a deal of such benefit to patients and the health services and he
said “given the scale of the financial challenges in Health over the next
few years, this agreement is vital progress after much hard work” .
The new
deal, combined with the IPHA agreement reached earlier this year, means that
€16 million in drug savings will be made this year with much greater savings to
be achieved in 2013/14/15. It is estimated that the deal will generate savings
of up to €116m gross in 2013.
Alex White,
Minister of State with responsibility for Primary Care has welcomed the deal. “The
current cost of drugs in our health system at over €2bn per year represents a
major challenge to the State. However the value of life-saving life-enhancing
drugs to patients is incalculable. This importance of this new deal to the
State and to patients alike will be felt well into the future”.
This
landmark deal comes as legislation aimed at reducing the cost of generic drugs
makes its way through the Oireachtas. The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical
Goods) Bill 2012, which will introduce a system of reference pricing and
generic substitution, is a priority for the Government. The Minister expects
that this Bill will be enacted before the end of the year and will deliver
further savings in the costs of medicines for the health service and private
patient.
The
Department and the HSE will shortly finalize discussions with the Association
of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland, which represents the generic drugs
industry, to deliver further savings in the cost of generic drugs.
17/10/12 Department of Health
Statement on Risk Equalization and on €125 million insurance payments 17/10 Department of Health
The
Government has approved the text of a Bill for a new Risk Equalization scheme
in the private health insurance market, to apply from 1 January next. The
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2012, which will be published tomorrow,
delivers on the Government’s commitment to introduce a strengthened Risk Equalization
Scheme to replace the current Interim Scheme that expires on 31 December.
Risk Equalization
is designed to take account of differences in health insurers’ costs that arise
due to the age or health of their customers. It protects our system of
community rating, whereby older and sicker people can buy health insurance for
the same price as younger and healthier customers.
The Bill will
be enacted by the end of this year, in advance of its implementation from 1
January 2013.
Meanwhile,
Minister James Reilly welcomed progress on the agreement that has been reached
between his Department and private health insurers to an accelerated payment of
some €125m to publicly funded hospitals in 2012.
The system
involves improved cash-flow between now and the end of the year, and will
provide much needed funds for hospitals in the coming months to the end of
December. The money is a once-off payment in respect of private patients who
have already been treated in publicly funded hospitals, but where the detailed
claims have not yet been received by insurers. The effect of the €125 million
will be to reduce the overrun in the HSE.
The Minister
welcomed the agreement, and noted that the legal details are now being worked
out between the HSE, voluntary hospitals and insurers involved – Aviva Health,
Laya Healthcare and the VHI. The funds from the agreement will come on stream
in the next few weeks.
18/10/12 Department of Health
Health Minister Dr James Reilly welcomes reduction in Waiting Lists
18/10/12 Department of Health
Hospitals
across Ireland have achieved considerable success in reaching the so called ‘9
month PTL’ target (Primary Targeting List). The target set by Health Minister
Dr James Reilly at the start of this year, required hospitals to ensure that no
one is waiting more than nine months for inpatient and day case treatments.
According to new statistics published today by the Special Delivery Unit 27
(70%) hospitals fully achieved the target and have no persons waiting for more
than nine months for such treatment. A total of 12 hospitals have made
significant inroads but are left with some work to do. At the start of 2012,
53,513 patients were listed as being on the ‘9 month PTL’. In other words the non-treatment
of such patients by the end of September would fall short of the target. At the
start of 2012, a total of 5,119 people were waiting over 9 months for inpatient
or day case surgery. At the end of September a total of 415 persons were
waiting over 9 months, a drop of 91.1%.
Health
Minister Dr James Reilly welcomed the news, stressing its crucial importance to
fairness in the health system. “Since assuming office I have made clear that
priority must be given to taking care of those patients waiting the longest.
Once the most urgent cases are treated, hospitals must devote their capacity to
treating the longest waiters in a strict chronological order. These fresh
statistics are clear evidence of the fact that hospitals can and are doing just
that. The development is vital on two fronts. Firstly it is about basic
fairness. Secondly it shows that even with reduced budgets and staffing levels,
clear, well informed targets assist hospitals to be effective. I would like to
thank all the staff involved and acknowledge their dedication and
commitment."
Meanwhile
the Special Delivery Unit has made further progress in reducing the number of
people waiting on trolleys. In the first nine months of this year, the number
of people on trolleys was reduced by 23.6% or 16,659 persons over the same
period last year. HSE Director General Designate, Tony O’Brien said that “While
there are still too many people waiting on trolleys in emergency departments,
the continued progress in achieving a reduction is of real importance. This
continued downward trend has been achieved with some investment but mostly with
hard work involving professionals on the front line."
The Special
Delivery Unit also gave further details of its work aimed at tackling the scale
of the outpatient’s waiting list. At Minister Reilly’s direction the HSE and
the SDU have taken a series of actions to prepare for a methodical reduction of
the Outpatient waiting list. In recent days for the first time the true number
of persons on the list has been estimated at approximately 360,000 people.
The SDU
today gave details of two separate pieces of work providing for a scientific
measuring of the capacity in our hospitals ahead of a drive to reduce the
numbers. Dr Reilly has set as a target that by the end of next year no
outpatient will be waiting for treatment for more than 12 months.
Fianna Fail 23/10/12
Latest controversy over Children’s Hospital show a Minister Isolated and Undermined –
Fianna Fáil
Spokesperson on Health, Billy Kelleher TD, says the latest developments in the
process to decide a location for the National Children’s Hospital paint a very
grave picture of the state of affairs at the top of the Department of Health.
Deputy Kelleher commented: “Today’s story in the Irish Independent newspaper,
which reveals that the Tánaiste has conducted his own research into possible
sites for the new Children’s Hospital without reference to the Minister for
Health, proves there has been a fundamental break down of trust within the
Government.
“It is obvious that the Tánaiste is no longer willing to take the Minister for
Health at his word. Quite simply, the Tánaiste no longer has confidence in him.
“This situation is simply untenable. There is no way that Dr Reilly can be an
effective Minister if his colleagues at cabinet don't trust him. He is clearly
isolated and fatally undermined following the series of crises that have
characterised his tenure. If the Tánaiste and the Labour Party don't trust him,
why should anybody else?
“Of course the Minister for Health only has himself to blame. His conduct and
operation of his brief has alienated key player at every level.
“The Tánaiste's actions and the leaking of this story reveal that things have gone
from bad to worse. For how long will the Taoiseach allow this situation
Electronic press coverage
Twitter
1/10/12
Minister James #Reilly: ‘Stroke
politics’ allegations are insulting to constituents http://ow.ly/e7hwK
Breaking
news .ie 01/10/2012
Martin:
Reilly must justify his decisions before Dáil
The Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said the
Health Minister James Reilly has to make a detailed statement in the Dáil on
how he selected additional locations for primary care centres.
A row over the issue led to the resignation last week of a Junior Minister in his department, Roisin Shortall, who made a number of further allegations against Dr Reilly at the weekend.
Mr Martin wants more information from Minister Reilly on the selection of primary care centre sites, and the circumstances surrounding Roisin Shortall's decision to resign.
He also said his fellow TDs should have the chance to put questions to him.
Mr Martin said: "The minister has to come before the Dáil, make a detailed statement and answer questions from members of the house.
"If Lucinda Creighton and Joan Burton are saying that they require briefings, then I would respectfully say that the Dáil and the public require the briefing as well.
"I think a facility should be provided in the Dáil to enable members to question Minister Reilly."
A row over the issue led to the resignation last week of a Junior Minister in his department, Roisin Shortall, who made a number of further allegations against Dr Reilly at the weekend.
Mr Martin wants more information from Minister Reilly on the selection of primary care centre sites, and the circumstances surrounding Roisin Shortall's decision to resign.
He also said his fellow TDs should have the chance to put questions to him.
Mr Martin said: "The minister has to come before the Dáil, make a detailed statement and answer questions from members of the house.
"If Lucinda Creighton and Joan Burton are saying that they require briefings, then I would respectfully say that the Dáil and the public require the briefing as well.
"I think a facility should be provided in the Dáil to enable members to question Minister Reilly."
Twitter
2/10/12
Fianna Fáil@fiannafailpartyLatest Attempt
to get to Truth on Reilly list Blocked – Kelleher http://bit.ly/WekgLi
TheJournal.ie@thejournal_ieFF attempts
obscure Dáil procedure to seek explanation of primary care criteria from James
Reilly http://jrnl.ie/618907 Retweeted by Fianna Fáil
Coming up on @lstwrd @SenThomasByrne discussing
the latest attempt to get to truth on Reilly primary care list being blocked
today
Facebook 2/10/12
Fianna Fáil has submitted the following Special Notice Question ahead of
this afternoon’s Dáil sitting:
“As the roll out of future primary care centres is of national concern I am asking that Minister James Reilly explain to the House the recent criteria he used to add fifteen centres to the primary care list and to clarify what criteria will be used for future Primary Care Centres, and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
Do you think the Minister needs to make a Dáil statement on this matter?
“As the roll out of future primary care centres is of national concern I am asking that Minister James Reilly explain to the House the recent criteria he used to add fifteen centres to the primary care list and to clarify what criteria will be used for future Primary Care Centres, and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
Do you think the Minister needs to make a Dáil statement on this matter?
Facebook
3/10/12
1. Fianna Fáil shared a link.
Health Spokesperson, Billy Kelleher TD,
will be first up on Leaders' Questions at 10.30am.
Click on the link below for a live feed.
http://bit.ly/IE0zGp
Click on the link below for a live feed.
http://bit.ly/IE0zGp
The Fianna Fáil Private Notice Question,
which was rejected yesterday, will now be taken in the Dáil at 3.45pm.
Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher will seek a full explanation from the Minister James Reilly about his 'criteria' for expanding the list of Primary Care Centres.
Health Spokesperson Billy Kelleher will seek a full explanation from the Minister James Reilly about his 'criteria' for expanding the list of Primary Care Centres.
Twitter 3/10/12
Caoimhghín Ó
Caoláin says Min Reilly's Primary Care list was a "cobbled together
exercise
Min Reilly says
"complex criteria used" for selecting Primary Care centers and things
are still "in flux
Fianna Fáil's
private notice question for Health Minister James Reilly will now be taken in #Dáil today at 3.45pm
Billy
Kelleher says Reilly undermined a transparent, open selection process for
Primary Care Centers.
Breaking News .ie 3/10/12
Taoiseach: Reilly
has Govt's 'absolute backing', different view from Labour politicians
The Taoiseach has said embattled Health Minster James
Reilly has the "absolute backing" of the Government, but a number of
Labour Party politicians and said his position is untenable.
Mr Reilly faces a grilling this afternoon in the Dáil after fresh claims that one of two sites he added to a list of priority primary care centres is owned by a political contact of his.
Earlier, Mr Reilly said: “Any contention that there’s anything remotely inappropriate about this is utterly wrong.”
Speaking in Brussels, Enda Kenny said the Minister had his support and that of the Government in getting on with the job of health service reform.
"The Government have given absolute backing to Minister Reilly," he said. "He now has a changed and formidable team in the health area, having to implement a massive structural series of changes to deliver universal health insurance and an effective and efficient health system for all our people."
However, a number of Labour party figures say James Reilly should no longer be the Minister for Health.
Mr Reilly faces a grilling this afternoon in the Dáil after fresh claims that one of two sites he added to a list of priority primary care centres is owned by a political contact of his.
Earlier, Mr Reilly said: “Any contention that there’s anything remotely inappropriate about this is utterly wrong.”
Speaking in Brussels, Enda Kenny said the Minister had his support and that of the Government in getting on with the job of health service reform.
"The Government have given absolute backing to Minister Reilly," he said. "He now has a changed and formidable team in the health area, having to implement a massive structural series of changes to deliver universal health insurance and an effective and efficient health system for all our people."
However, a number of Labour party figures say James Reilly should no longer be the Minister for Health.
Reilly
Denies he behaved unethically
Embattled Health Minister Dr James Reilly was today
facing fresh demands to resign following revelations he is an associate of the
owner of a site controversially chosen for a new primary care centre.
Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher said Dr Reilly is embroiled in a clear conflict of interest after selecting two locations in his north Dublin constituency for the new units.
Fine Gael supporter Seamus Murphy owns one of the locations in Balbriggan.
“The Taoiseach needs to have a serious conversation with the minister. He needs to ask him
Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher said Dr Reilly is embroiled in a clear conflict of interest after selecting two locations in his north Dublin constituency for the new units.
Fine Gael supporter Seamus Murphy owns one of the locations in Balbriggan.
“The Taoiseach needs to have a serious conversation with the minister. He needs to ask him
To step aside,” Mr Kelleher said.
The Fianna Fail spokesman said it was ridiculous that the former junior minister responsible for primary care, Roisin Shortall, was forced to quit following a series of rows with Dr Reilly, who has continued to come under fire for his controversial decisions over health reforms.
“I said it before and I will say it again, the wrong minister resigned,” said Mr Kelleher.
He also called for Dr Reilly to make a full, clear statement to the Dáil outlining the criteria used in his decision to bump up Balbriggan and Swords in his constituency into a priority list for the building of new primary care centres.
The minister failed to inform Ms Shortall of the redraft and added the towns to the list despite it already being approved and finalised by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Dr Reilly used a property on Mr Murphy’s site as a general election campaign base.
“There are very serious questions to be answered here,” added Mr Kelleher.
“And the Tánaiste also needs to come forward and say whether he was made aware by Ms Shortall of this relationship between the minister and this property developer, and if so, explain why he let her take the fall and quit her party.”
Ms Shortall resigned her ministerial post and from the Labour parliamentary party last week.
She has been replaced by Dublin South TD Alex White.
The Fianna Fail spokesman said it was ridiculous that the former junior minister responsible for primary care, Roisin Shortall, was forced to quit following a series of rows with Dr Reilly, who has continued to come under fire for his controversial decisions over health reforms.
“I said it before and I will say it again, the wrong minister resigned,” said Mr Kelleher.
He also called for Dr Reilly to make a full, clear statement to the Dáil outlining the criteria used in his decision to bump up Balbriggan and Swords in his constituency into a priority list for the building of new primary care centres.
The minister failed to inform Ms Shortall of the redraft and added the towns to the list despite it already being approved and finalised by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Dr Reilly used a property on Mr Murphy’s site as a general election campaign base.
“There are very serious questions to be answered here,” added Mr Kelleher.
“And the Tánaiste also needs to come forward and say whether he was made aware by Ms Shortall of this relationship between the minister and this property developer, and if so, explain why he let her take the fall and quit her party.”
Ms Shortall resigned her ministerial post and from the Labour parliamentary party last week.
She has been replaced by Dublin South TD Alex White.
The Health
Minister confirmed there was a connection between himself and Mr Murphy - a
well-known property developer in north Dublin.
But he insisted there was no impropriety because Mr Murphy had no intention of developing a primary care centre.
“The article suggests that there is controversy about the possible development of a primary care centre by way of lease at the Dublin Road site in Balbriggan. This is not the case,” said a spokesman for Dr Reilly.
“The recent addition of Balbriggan to a list of potential towns that may seek to develop a primary care centre by way of a public private partnership is an entirely separate matter.”
It is reported that Mr Murphy is in the process of selling the site to development firm Rhonnelan.
Company chairman AJ Noonan has been identified as the man responsible for the health centre development- by way of lease with the HSE.
Dr Reilly’s spokesman insisted that Mr Noonan is not known to the minister.
“That arrangement is entirely a matter for Mr Noonan, the relevant general practitioners, who support his proposal, and the HSE, which determines the appropriate handling of such matters,” he said.
The spokesman added that the HSE decision to enter a lease with Mr Noonan was based on health requirements.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Ruairí Quinn says he has no issue of any wrongdoing by Doctor Reilly saying the decision to use the site for a primary care centre was made before he came into office.
But he insisted there was no impropriety because Mr Murphy had no intention of developing a primary care centre.
“The article suggests that there is controversy about the possible development of a primary care centre by way of lease at the Dublin Road site in Balbriggan. This is not the case,” said a spokesman for Dr Reilly.
“The recent addition of Balbriggan to a list of potential towns that may seek to develop a primary care centre by way of a public private partnership is an entirely separate matter.”
It is reported that Mr Murphy is in the process of selling the site to development firm Rhonnelan.
Company chairman AJ Noonan has been identified as the man responsible for the health centre development- by way of lease with the HSE.
Dr Reilly’s spokesman insisted that Mr Noonan is not known to the minister.
“That arrangement is entirely a matter for Mr Noonan, the relevant general practitioners, who support his proposal, and the HSE, which determines the appropriate handling of such matters,” he said.
The spokesman added that the HSE decision to enter a lease with Mr Noonan was based on health requirements.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Ruairí Quinn says he has no issue of any wrongdoing by Doctor Reilly saying the decision to use the site for a primary care centre was made before he came into office.
Embattled
Health Minister James Reilly has said he utterly rejects acting unethically
amid revelations an associate of his owns a site controversially chosen for a
new primary care centre.
Facing further calls for his resignation, the Fine Gael TD insisted his actions have been in the best interests of the health service.
“Any contention that there’s anything remotely inappropriate about this is utterly wrong,” said Dr Reilly.
A Labour councillor from Fingal, near Dr Reilly’s north Dublin constituency, became the first to break ranks with his party and called for the minister to quit.
Cian O’Callaghan urged Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore to pressure Dr Reilly into resigning. The minister was accused of a clear conflict of interest after it emerged the owner of the Balbriggan site is Fine Gael supporter Seamus Murphy. Dr Reilly also used a property on the site as a campaign base during the general election.
But Labour’s Education Minister Ruairi Quinn insisted he fully supported his Cabinet colleague.
Mr Quinn said he was completely satisfied with Dr Reilly’s explanation for selecting Balbriggan and Swords for the new units.
It has been reported that Mr Murphy is in the process of selling the site to development firm Rhonnelan.
Company chairman AJ Noonan has been identified as the man responsible for the health centre development – by way of lease with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A spokesman for Dr Reilly said Mr Noonan was not known to him.
Despite this, Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher called for the minister to quit, saying it was inappropriate that an individual or commercial enterprise stood to gain advantage as a result of his controversial move.
Facing further calls for his resignation, the Fine Gael TD insisted his actions have been in the best interests of the health service.
“Any contention that there’s anything remotely inappropriate about this is utterly wrong,” said Dr Reilly.
A Labour councillor from Fingal, near Dr Reilly’s north Dublin constituency, became the first to break ranks with his party and called for the minister to quit.
Cian O’Callaghan urged Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore to pressure Dr Reilly into resigning. The minister was accused of a clear conflict of interest after it emerged the owner of the Balbriggan site is Fine Gael supporter Seamus Murphy. Dr Reilly also used a property on the site as a campaign base during the general election.
But Labour’s Education Minister Ruairi Quinn insisted he fully supported his Cabinet colleague.
Mr Quinn said he was completely satisfied with Dr Reilly’s explanation for selecting Balbriggan and Swords for the new units.
It has been reported that Mr Murphy is in the process of selling the site to development firm Rhonnelan.
Company chairman AJ Noonan has been identified as the man responsible for the health centre development – by way of lease with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
A spokesman for Dr Reilly said Mr Noonan was not known to him.
Despite this, Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher called for the minister to quit, saying it was inappropriate that an individual or commercial enterprise stood to gain advantage as a result of his controversial move.
“The
Taoiseach needs to have a serious conversation with the minister. He needs to
ask him to step aside,” Mr Kelleher said.
The Fianna Fail spokesman also said it was ridiculous that the former junior minister responsible for primary care, Roisin Shortall, was forced to quit following a series of rows with Dr Reilly, who has continued to come under fire for his health reforms.
But Dr Reilly defended the fact that he failed to inform Ms Shortall of the redraft and that he added the towns to the list despite it already being approved and finalised by the HSE.
“If I had it to do again, I’d do it all again,” he told RTE Radio. He also claimed that as health minister he was entitled to make decisions on the health service in isolation of his department.
Dr Reilly will respond to calls from Opposition TDs to formally address the Dail on the issue and will answer a special notice question later today.
Last week, Ms Shortall accused the minister of not fully supporting the Programme for Government. But he rejected her charge, insisting he was the architect of the programme. Ms Shortall resigned her ministerial post and from the Labour parliamentary party last week. She has been replaced by Dublin South TD Alex White.
The Fianna Fail spokesman also said it was ridiculous that the former junior minister responsible for primary care, Roisin Shortall, was forced to quit following a series of rows with Dr Reilly, who has continued to come under fire for his health reforms.
But Dr Reilly defended the fact that he failed to inform Ms Shortall of the redraft and that he added the towns to the list despite it already being approved and finalised by the HSE.
“If I had it to do again, I’d do it all again,” he told RTE Radio. He also claimed that as health minister he was entitled to make decisions on the health service in isolation of his department.
Dr Reilly will respond to calls from Opposition TDs to formally address the Dail on the issue and will answer a special notice question later today.
Last week, Ms Shortall accused the minister of not fully supporting the Programme for Government. But he rejected her charge, insisting he was the architect of the programme. Ms Shortall resigned her ministerial post and from the Labour parliamentary party last week. She has been replaced by Dublin South TD Alex White.
Twitter 4/10/12
Eamon #Gilmore insists James #Reilly had no say in choice of controversial #health sites http://ow.ly/edlSN
Twitter 5/10/12
Cuts to
home-help services demonstrate extent of Reilly’s failure – Kelleher http://bit.ly/Qz3Hr3
Twitter 6/10/12
Micheal Martin puts
the boot into James Reilly in his speech at #FF
dinner. "Basically he fixed the list".
Breaking news .ie 6/10/12
New
consultants' 30% pay drop to apply from Nov 5: Reilly
Health Minister James Reilly has said the Government
will push ahead with its decision to cut the pay of all new consultants by
30%.Speaking in Galway this morning at the Irish Hospital Consultants
Association's annual conference Dr Reilly confirmed the HSE will implement new
work practices for consultants from November 5.
As part of the reforms, consultants will have to be available for roistering for any five days out of seven instead of only being available for weekdays at present.
The Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association will now ballot their members on the proposed reforms.
As part of the reforms, consultants will have to be available for roistering for any five days out of seven instead of only being available for weekdays at present.
The Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants’ Association will now ballot their members on the proposed reforms.
Labour
grassroots meeting on Reilly future
Grassroots Labour Party members are to hold an
emergency meeting next week to discuss how to bring about the resignation of
Health Minister James Reilly.
Roisín Shortall stepped down as Mr Reilly’s junior minister last week in a dispute over provision of healthcare centres.
The Campaign for Labour Policies will also launch an online petition calling on party leader Eamon Gilmore to take action to ensure the resignation of Mr Reilly.
Spokesman Neil Warner said: “James Reilly has not accounted properly for his decision to interfere with the priority list for primary health care centres.”
He added: “If he will not go, he must be forced out by the Labour Party.”
The Campaign, the grassroots organisation of Labour Party members, will meet in the Teachers Club, Dublin, on Wednesday to discuss the progress of the reform of the healthcare system.
Among the items which will be discussed are the decision of Ms Shortall to resign her position; what action must be taken to ensure the full implementation of the primary healthcare and alcohol misuse strategies, and members’ privatisation concerns.
Roisín Shortall stepped down as Mr Reilly’s junior minister last week in a dispute over provision of healthcare centres.
The Campaign for Labour Policies will also launch an online petition calling on party leader Eamon Gilmore to take action to ensure the resignation of Mr Reilly.
Spokesman Neil Warner said: “James Reilly has not accounted properly for his decision to interfere with the priority list for primary health care centres.”
He added: “If he will not go, he must be forced out by the Labour Party.”
The Campaign, the grassroots organisation of Labour Party members, will meet in the Teachers Club, Dublin, on Wednesday to discuss the progress of the reform of the healthcare system.
Among the items which will be discussed are the decision of Ms Shortall to resign her position; what action must be taken to ensure the full implementation of the primary healthcare and alcohol misuse strategies, and members’ privatisation concerns.
Breaking
news.ie 7/10/12
FF
calls for honesty from Taoiseach on health centres controversy
Fianna Fáil has called on the Taoiseach to declare
exactly what he knew about the decision by the Health Minister James Reilly to
locate two primary care centres in his constituency.
A report in today's Sunday Independent suggests the Health Minister told Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore about the controversial plan as far back as last July.
The Sunday Business Post reported that Dr Reilly knew that the primary care centre site in Balbriggan owned by one of his political supporters had been chosen by the HSE, despite his insistence that he was not involved in the selection of individual sites.
The row led to the resignation of Junior Health Minister Roisin Shortalll, who has accused Dr Reilly of "stroke politics".
Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson Billy Kelleher says it's time for Enda Kenny to tell the public what he knew and when.
Quite clearly what they are doing is that they are supporting stroke politics in a time when people need health services and we should be talking about the real issues out there that are affecting the public," he said.
"So quite clearly this is a distraction, it's a very unwelcome distraction, and the Taoiseach should be honest with us at this stage and say clearly what he knew about this particularly decision, did he support it at the time, and does he still support it?"
Fianna Fáil Party Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl added that a letter revealed in the Sunday Business Post from Minister Reilly to Balbriggan Town Council is further proof that the Minister has misled the Dáil and has more questions to answer.
“What more needs to happen before the Taoiseach starts showing some leadership on this?” asked Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. “Yet again we have evidence that Minister Reilly has failed to tell the truth about his role in selecting primary care sites in his own constituency. “The Minister has been given ample opportunity to clearly explain the criteria used for selecting certain sites over others, and to come clean about his involvement in this process.
“The fact that he has failed to give any coherent and plausible explanation is proof that there simply isn’t one. “I find it incredible that the Fine Gael and Labour coalition continue to support Minister Reilly’s position. “What more will it take for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to start taking control of this situation? It is time we heard the whole truth from Minister Reilly.”
A report in today's Sunday Independent suggests the Health Minister told Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore about the controversial plan as far back as last July.
The Sunday Business Post reported that Dr Reilly knew that the primary care centre site in Balbriggan owned by one of his political supporters had been chosen by the HSE, despite his insistence that he was not involved in the selection of individual sites.
The row led to the resignation of Junior Health Minister Roisin Shortalll, who has accused Dr Reilly of "stroke politics".
Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson Billy Kelleher says it's time for Enda Kenny to tell the public what he knew and when.
Quite clearly what they are doing is that they are supporting stroke politics in a time when people need health services and we should be talking about the real issues out there that are affecting the public," he said.
"So quite clearly this is a distraction, it's a very unwelcome distraction, and the Taoiseach should be honest with us at this stage and say clearly what he knew about this particularly decision, did he support it at the time, and does he still support it?"
Fianna Fáil Party Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl added that a letter revealed in the Sunday Business Post from Minister Reilly to Balbriggan Town Council is further proof that the Minister has misled the Dáil and has more questions to answer.
“What more needs to happen before the Taoiseach starts showing some leadership on this?” asked Deputy Ó Fearghaíl. “Yet again we have evidence that Minister Reilly has failed to tell the truth about his role in selecting primary care sites in his own constituency. “The Minister has been given ample opportunity to clearly explain the criteria used for selecting certain sites over others, and to come clean about his involvement in this process.
“The fact that he has failed to give any coherent and plausible explanation is proof that there simply isn’t one. “I find it incredible that the Fine Gael and Labour coalition continue to support Minister Reilly’s position. “What more will it take for the Taoiseach and Tánaiste to start taking control of this situation? It is time we heard the whole truth from Minister Reilly.”
Twitter
7/10/12
Breaking
news.ie 08/10/2012
Taoiseach
refuses to be drawn on FF 'stroke politics' claim
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has refused to be drawn on
whether he, and the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, was aware as far back as July of
locations being proposed for primary care centres, by the Health Minister. It
comes after a report in yesterday's Sunday Independent that Mr Kenny and Mr
Gilmore were told over the summer that Dr James Reilly planned to locate two
centres in his Dublin North Constituency.
Opposition party Fianna Fáil has said it believes the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are now implicated in a political stroke.
The row over the locations led to the resignation of Junior Health Minister Roisín Shortall.
When asked three times by Midwest Radio this morning if Minister James Reilly had consulted with him and the Tánaiste, last July, the Taoiseach failed to answer.
The Taoiseach said: "There is a process gone through here for approval of that stimulus package and the Cabinet has signed off on that.
"The minister made it clear that beyond the mere criteria of deprivation, which are important in themselves, that he extended that criteria as he explained, both to deal with vested interests, buy-in from general practitioners and to provide competition for these services."
Opposition party Fianna Fáil has said it believes the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are now implicated in a political stroke.
The row over the locations led to the resignation of Junior Health Minister Roisín Shortall.
When asked three times by Midwest Radio this morning if Minister James Reilly had consulted with him and the Tánaiste, last July, the Taoiseach failed to answer.
The Taoiseach said: "There is a process gone through here for approval of that stimulus package and the Cabinet has signed off on that.
"The minister made it clear that beyond the mere criteria of deprivation, which are important in themselves, that he extended that criteria as he explained, both to deal with vested interests, buy-in from general practitioners and to provide competition for these services."
Breaking
news.ie 9/10/12
Rotunda
head: Connolly not right for Children's Hospital the Rotunda Hospital.
Sites in
Blanchardstown and Belcamp in Dublin are not right for the new National
Children's Hospital, according to the Master of the Rotunda hospital, Sam
Coulter Smith.
Mr Coulter Smith was speaking amid reports that Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown and a Greenfield site in Belcamp near Coolock are among the frontrunners for the project.
Minister for Health James Reilly is to meet with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore in the coming days to discuss the plans, but Mr Kenny said the final decision will be taken collectively at Cabinet level. The Rotunda Hospital is involved in a joint bid to have the project built at the Mater site in Dublin city centre, even though that idea was rejected by the planning board earlier this year. However, Mr Coulter Smith believes it is still the right option, as the new children's hospital must be located with maternity and adult facilities.
He said: "As time has gone by, rumours are rife and no-one really understands what is happening as part of the process.
"My feeling would be that clinical needs are paramount, outcomes are the only thing that is important in this situation and what we want is a hospital that can be truly tri-located."
Mr Coulter Smith was speaking amid reports that Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown and a Greenfield site in Belcamp near Coolock are among the frontrunners for the project.
Minister for Health James Reilly is to meet with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore in the coming days to discuss the plans, but Mr Kenny said the final decision will be taken collectively at Cabinet level. The Rotunda Hospital is involved in a joint bid to have the project built at the Mater site in Dublin city centre, even though that idea was rejected by the planning board earlier this year. However, Mr Coulter Smith believes it is still the right option, as the new children's hospital must be located with maternity and adult facilities.
He said: "As time has gone by, rumours are rife and no-one really understands what is happening as part of the process.
"My feeling would be that clinical needs are paramount, outcomes are the only thing that is important in this situation and what we want is a hospital that can be truly tri-located."
Twitter
12/10/12
Reilly must explain
why September’s ‘breakthrough’ with Consultants has turned to dust – Kelleher
Breaking news.ie 15/10/12
Reilly
claims deal worth €400m on cost of drugs
The Health Minister James Reilly is claiming a deal on
the cost of drugs that will be worth €400m over the next three years.
The three-year deal will involve savings of €200m on the cost of drugs in the health service and mean cheaper drugs for people.
In a statement Reilly says it will also provide cheaper access to new and innovative high-tech drugs for the treatment of serious illnesses.
On patent expiry, the price to the wholesaler of a medicine will be reduced to 70% of the original price. 12 months following this price reduction, the price to the wholesaler will be reduced to 50% of the original price.
For existing patent expired medicines, the price to the wholesaler will be reduced to 60% of the original price on November 1, 2012. This will be followed by a further reduction to 50% of the original price to the wholesaler 12 months later.
Once-off downward price realignment will apply to the currency-adjusted average price to the wholesaler in the nominated EU member states on all on patent medicines and off patent unique medicines.
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) welcomed the deal.
The three-year deal will involve savings of €200m on the cost of drugs in the health service and mean cheaper drugs for people.
In a statement Reilly says it will also provide cheaper access to new and innovative high-tech drugs for the treatment of serious illnesses.
On patent expiry, the price to the wholesaler of a medicine will be reduced to 70% of the original price. 12 months following this price reduction, the price to the wholesaler will be reduced to 50% of the original price.
For existing patent expired medicines, the price to the wholesaler will be reduced to 60% of the original price on November 1, 2012. This will be followed by a further reduction to 50% of the original price to the wholesaler 12 months later.
Once-off downward price realignment will apply to the currency-adjusted average price to the wholesaler in the nominated EU member states on all on patent medicines and off patent unique medicines.
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) welcomed the deal.
According to David Gallagher, the outgoing president
who led the negotiations on behalf of IPHA, “Ireland has a strong record in
ensuring that patients can access new advanced therapies.
“This new agreement provides assurance for Irish patients that they will be able to get new medicines when they become available.
“Medicines are a key pillar of any advanced health system and medical innovation has extended life expectancy through reducing illness and death. Many patients are in need of new, advanced medicines in areas such as Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis, cancer, stroke prevention, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.”
Expenditure on medicines has been falling since 2009 and is now fifth lowest in Europe at 11.7% - despite an increasing level of medicine usage, according to the IPHA.
Orlaith Brennan, Commercial Affairs Director of the IPHA said: “We understand the enormous fiscal challenges facing the country, but it is important to ensure that patient’ needs and expectations can continue to be met.
“This deal offers value and savings to the State and patients, and ensures that the full range of modern therapeutically advanced medicines continue to be available to Irish patients in spite of current economic difficulties”.
“This new agreement provides assurance for Irish patients that they will be able to get new medicines when they become available.
“Medicines are a key pillar of any advanced health system and medical innovation has extended life expectancy through reducing illness and death. Many patients are in need of new, advanced medicines in areas such as Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis, cancer, stroke prevention, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis.”
Expenditure on medicines has been falling since 2009 and is now fifth lowest in Europe at 11.7% - despite an increasing level of medicine usage, according to the IPHA.
Orlaith Brennan, Commercial Affairs Director of the IPHA said: “We understand the enormous fiscal challenges facing the country, but it is important to ensure that patient’ needs and expectations can continue to be met.
“This deal offers value and savings to the State and patients, and ensures that the full range of modern therapeutically advanced medicines continue to be available to Irish patients in spite of current economic difficulties”.
Twitter
18/10/12
Talking to Fergal
Bowers from @rtenews about new figures showing 365,000 people waiting to see a consultant pic.twitter.com/MZLBtwih
Facebook
19/10/12
1. Roscommon Fianna Fáil shared a link.
Breaking
news.ie 23/10/12
Quinn
plays down Reilly rift
The Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is denying any
rift between the Labour Party and the Minister for Health James Reilly.
It follows reports this morning that the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is drawing up his own list of possible locations for the new Children's Hospital.
Minister Reilly is to bring a report on the new hospital and a recommendation on a site to cabinet but Minister Quinn says he understands it will be a couple of weeks before that happens, because everyone involved is very busy.
Speaking on his way into government buildings this morning, Quinn said there is no breakdown in relations between his party and Minister Reilly.
“No, I don’t think so (there is a rift). James Reilly has a very difficult job, the health services are in a very distressed state as we know.
“The HSE, organised originally by Micheál Martin and presided over by Mary Harney, is effectively dysfunctional. We’re trying to get it back on track.
“It’s not my area of responsibility but in terms of the overall financial structure it finds itself in, it is a very distressed area.”
It follows reports this morning that the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is drawing up his own list of possible locations for the new Children's Hospital.
Minister Reilly is to bring a report on the new hospital and a recommendation on a site to cabinet but Minister Quinn says he understands it will be a couple of weeks before that happens, because everyone involved is very busy.
Speaking on his way into government buildings this morning, Quinn said there is no breakdown in relations between his party and Minister Reilly.
“No, I don’t think so (there is a rift). James Reilly has a very difficult job, the health services are in a very distressed state as we know.
“The HSE, organised originally by Micheál Martin and presided over by Mary Harney, is effectively dysfunctional. We’re trying to get it back on track.
“It’s not my area of responsibility but in terms of the overall financial structure it finds itself in, it is a very distressed area.”
Trio
to meet for hospital discussions
The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Health Minister have yet
to meet to discuss the location of the new National Children's Hospital.
The three are to get together before the issue comes before the wider cabinet group, and it is thought the talks could now happen later this week.
The issue could then be up for discussion at next week's cabinet meeting.
An Bord Pleanála rejected the proposed site at the Mater hospital in Dublin city centre earlier this year.
The three are to get together before the issue comes before the wider cabinet group, and it is thought the talks could now happen later this week.
The issue could then be up for discussion at next week's cabinet meeting.
An Bord Pleanála rejected the proposed site at the Mater hospital in Dublin city centre earlier this year.
Govt
'will use Dolphin Report only' to decide on hospital site
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said just one process,
the Dolphin report, will be used in deciding on the location of the new
National Children's Hospital.
It comes after it emerged the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is effectively conducting his own review of possible sites for the facility.
Opposition parties have said it is a sign that Labour and the Tánaiste no longer trust Minister James Reilly - a charge Eamon Gilmore has denied.
In an apparent rebuke to the Tánaiste in the Dáil, Mr Kenny made it clear how the hospital location will be decided.
He said: "There is but one process in regard to the National Children's Hospital and the process is that the Dolphin Report was commissioned by the Minister for Health.
"The minister will bring his findings and brief both I and the Tánaiste and thereafter the minister will bring his recommendation to the Government. Government will make this decision in this regard."
It comes after it emerged the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is effectively conducting his own review of possible sites for the facility.
Opposition parties have said it is a sign that Labour and the Tánaiste no longer trust Minister James Reilly - a charge Eamon Gilmore has denied.
In an apparent rebuke to the Tánaiste in the Dáil, Mr Kenny made it clear how the hospital location will be decided.
He said: "There is but one process in regard to the National Children's Hospital and the process is that the Dolphin Report was commissioned by the Minister for Health.
"The minister will bring his findings and brief both I and the Tánaiste and thereafter the minister will bring his recommendation to the Government. Government will make this decision in this regard."
Gilmore
refutes FF allegations of lack of trust
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has denied there is a lack of
trust in the Coalition despite carrying out his own research into a site for
the National Children’s Hospital.
The Labour Party leader revealed his team examined possible locations for the long-awaited facility so he had the facts before Health Minister James Reilly took his final decision to Cabinet.
Mr Gilmore, who was again forced to say he had confidence in Dr Reilly, insisted there is trust between Labour and the minister.
“There is no question of any lack of trust,” said Mr Gilmore.
“This is about making sure we make the best decision in the interest of the public.
“I think the public expect us to do that in a serious way, expect us to do that in an informed way, and I’m not approaching this issue any different than any other major issue that has to be decided by Government.”
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin claimed the development was disturbing and revealed a lack of trust after Labour’s former junior health minister, Róisin Shortall, controversially resigned when Dr Reilly added two sites in his constituency to her list of primary care health centres.
He called on the Coalition not to play politics and make a decision on the much needed state-of-the-art facility.
“I’m very disturbed really about what’s going on,” said Mr Martin.
“I think it shows a lack of respect about the project itself, the rationale about the project, and motivation behind the project.
“I think we need very clearly a decision by the Government.
Mr Martin said it was an extraordinary story that indicated the fundamental lack of trust between the coalition parties, and particularly Labour and Dr Reilly.
He also claimed it could also be seen as an attempt by Labour to belatedly distance themselves from the health minister after the debacle around the selection of a primary health centre and which left its junior minister Roisin Shotall “hung out to dry”.
It earlier emerged the Tánaiste’s advisers spoke to bidders for the hospital after an independent expert group gave a list of possible locations to Dr Reilly in March.
The Dolphin Report did not rank the different locations, but left it to Dr Reilly to make a recommendation to Cabinet.
Preferred alternative sites include St James’s Hospital in the south inner city and Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.
Mr Gilmore said he did not have a parallel report, but got his team in the office of An Tánaiste to provide him with the facts and information he would need before making his final decision.
“You can take it that on many major issues – whether it is property tax or whether it is the budget, taxation, social protection, education, any major issue that comes before this Government – I make sure that I am informed, that I am briefed and that I am in the best possible position to approach the issues that come before Government,” he said.
“Frankly I don’t think that people of this country would expect any less.”
The expert group was set up to find a site for the hospital when planning permission was refused next to the Mater Hospital in Dublin’s north inner city.
Dr Reilly is expected to make a decision from the report within weeks.
“I understand the report is imminent and when we get the report will sit down, make a decision on it and take it to Government,” Mr Gilmore added.
The Labour Party leader revealed his team examined possible locations for the long-awaited facility so he had the facts before Health Minister James Reilly took his final decision to Cabinet.
Mr Gilmore, who was again forced to say he had confidence in Dr Reilly, insisted there is trust between Labour and the minister.
“There is no question of any lack of trust,” said Mr Gilmore.
“This is about making sure we make the best decision in the interest of the public.
“I think the public expect us to do that in a serious way, expect us to do that in an informed way, and I’m not approaching this issue any different than any other major issue that has to be decided by Government.”
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin claimed the development was disturbing and revealed a lack of trust after Labour’s former junior health minister, Róisin Shortall, controversially resigned when Dr Reilly added two sites in his constituency to her list of primary care health centres.
He called on the Coalition not to play politics and make a decision on the much needed state-of-the-art facility.
“I’m very disturbed really about what’s going on,” said Mr Martin.
“I think it shows a lack of respect about the project itself, the rationale about the project, and motivation behind the project.
“I think we need very clearly a decision by the Government.
Mr Martin said it was an extraordinary story that indicated the fundamental lack of trust between the coalition parties, and particularly Labour and Dr Reilly.
He also claimed it could also be seen as an attempt by Labour to belatedly distance themselves from the health minister after the debacle around the selection of a primary health centre and which left its junior minister Roisin Shotall “hung out to dry”.
It earlier emerged the Tánaiste’s advisers spoke to bidders for the hospital after an independent expert group gave a list of possible locations to Dr Reilly in March.
The Dolphin Report did not rank the different locations, but left it to Dr Reilly to make a recommendation to Cabinet.
Preferred alternative sites include St James’s Hospital in the south inner city and Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.
Mr Gilmore said he did not have a parallel report, but got his team in the office of An Tánaiste to provide him with the facts and information he would need before making his final decision.
“You can take it that on many major issues – whether it is property tax or whether it is the budget, taxation, social protection, education, any major issue that comes before this Government – I make sure that I am informed, that I am briefed and that I am in the best possible position to approach the issues that come before Government,” he said.
“Frankly I don’t think that people of this country would expect any less.”
The expert group was set up to find a site for the hospital when planning permission was refused next to the Mater Hospital in Dublin’s north inner city.
Dr Reilly is expected to make a decision from the report within weeks.
“I understand the report is imminent and when we get the report will sit down, make a decision on it and take it to Government,” Mr Gilmore added.
Gilmore:
There is trust between me and Health Minister
The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said there is no
breakdown in trust between himself and the Health Minister James Reilly.
He was responding to reports in today's Irish Independent claiming he has bypassed the Minister and is seeking his own advice on the optimum location for the new Children's Hospital.
Mr Gilmore's advisors have been meeting with bidders for the site to discuss the best location for the facility.
Speaking at the launch of a video to promote a 'Yes' vote in the Children's Referendum, Mr Gilmore denied that there is a breakdown in trust between himself and Minister Reilly.
Mr Gilmore said: "There is trust; there is no question of any lack of trust. This is about making sure that we make the best decision in the interests of the public.
"I think the public expect us to do that in a serious way, in an informed way and I am not approaching this issue any different to any other major issue that has to be decided by Government."
He was responding to reports in today's Irish Independent claiming he has bypassed the Minister and is seeking his own advice on the optimum location for the new Children's Hospital.
Mr Gilmore's advisors have been meeting with bidders for the site to discuss the best location for the facility.
Speaking at the launch of a video to promote a 'Yes' vote in the Children's Referendum, Mr Gilmore denied that there is a breakdown in trust between himself and Minister Reilly.
Mr Gilmore said: "There is trust; there is no question of any lack of trust. This is about making sure that we make the best decision in the interests of the public.
"I think the public expect us to do that in a serious way, in an informed way and I am not approaching this issue any different to any other major issue that has to be decided by Government."
Twitter
23/10/12
Why Taoiseach playing
politics with Mater Hospital is site now when Reilly's own review backed it in
July 2011? http://bit.ly/TE5lGB #Dáil
Watch Martin
question Taoiseach about revelations of Gilmore undermining Reilly on
Children's Hospital here: http://bit.ly/POB1ha
Clearly still huge
mistrust in minister Reilly by cabinet. We do not want children's hospital
location to be horse traded by ministers
Latest
controversy over Children’s Hospital shows a Minister isolated and undermined –
@BillyKelleherTD: http://bit.ly/VlH6OX
Facebook 23/10/12
1. Fianna Fáil shared a link.
Watch the video: Micheál Martin questions
the Taoiseach on revelations about Eamon Gilmore undermining Reilly on Children's
Hospital
Breaking
news.ie 24/10/12
Taoiseach: No other children's
hospital reports commissioned
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has today insisted that another
independent report into the location of the new National Children's Hospital
has not been commissioned.
It comes amid reports the former Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald has been approached as part of the process, although Mr Fitzgerald said that he is not involved at the moment.
Taoiseach Kenny said that the Cabinet will make a formal decision on the site for the facility in the next two weeks, after the Health Minister has put forward his recommendations.
The Taoiseach said that neither the Government nor any of his Ministers have sought another report into the matter, aside from the Dolphin report.
"Did the Government commission another independent report in regard to the Children's Hospital? The answer to that question is No," he said.
"Did any Minister commission other independent reports into any of these locations? The answer to that question is No."
Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore earlier insisted he completely trusted Health Minister Dr James Reilly to bring the hospital plan to Cabinet, despite researching the project himself.
Mr Gilmore revealed his officials had examined different options so he had the facts before Dr Reilly brought the final decision to Government.
The Taoiseach insisted only one report had been commissioned - the Dolphin report - which was launched earlier this year after An Bord Pleanála rejected controversial plans to build a 15-storey building on the Mater site in north Dublin.
Former Health Service Executive chief Frank Dolphin spearheaded the expert group to consider different locations for the state-of-the-art facility - including St James' Hospital in the south inner city and Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.
The group, made up of planning experts, doctors and architects, did not rank the different sites considered, but left the health minister to consider observations made in the report.
He is expected to make his own recommendations to Cabinet within weeks.
Mr Kenny insisted no-one else had been appointed to compile a separate report.
"Don't be running away with the illusion that Minister Reilly or any other Minister, or the Government, went off to commission an individual or individuals to consider sites," he said.
The Taoiseach reiterated previous claims that while Dr Reilly would make recommendations, the final say as to where the hospital was built rested with Cabinet as a whole.
Earlier, the Tánaiste's decision to look into the issue himself raised further concerns of a developing rift between Labour and Fine Gael.
But Mr Gilmore defended the strength of the Coalition, saying he merely had his team present him with all the facts.
Last month, Labour's former Junior Minister Roisin Shortall controversially resigned after it emerged Dr Reilly added two sites in his constituency to her list of primary care health centres.
She went on to admit she and the minister had a personality clash and that he did not have the best interests of the programme for Government.
It was originally anticipated that the National Children's Hospital would be completed by 2016.
The planning appeals board rejected proposals in February, arguing that the original plans for a 74 metre-high building over 100,000 square feet was too large and out of place in the Georgian city skyline.
It comes amid reports the former Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald has been approached as part of the process, although Mr Fitzgerald said that he is not involved at the moment.
Taoiseach Kenny said that the Cabinet will make a formal decision on the site for the facility in the next two weeks, after the Health Minister has put forward his recommendations.
The Taoiseach said that neither the Government nor any of his Ministers have sought another report into the matter, aside from the Dolphin report.
"Did the Government commission another independent report in regard to the Children's Hospital? The answer to that question is No," he said.
"Did any Minister commission other independent reports into any of these locations? The answer to that question is No."
Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore earlier insisted he completely trusted Health Minister Dr James Reilly to bring the hospital plan to Cabinet, despite researching the project himself.
Mr Gilmore revealed his officials had examined different options so he had the facts before Dr Reilly brought the final decision to Government.
The Taoiseach insisted only one report had been commissioned - the Dolphin report - which was launched earlier this year after An Bord Pleanála rejected controversial plans to build a 15-storey building on the Mater site in north Dublin.
Former Health Service Executive chief Frank Dolphin spearheaded the expert group to consider different locations for the state-of-the-art facility - including St James' Hospital in the south inner city and Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.
The group, made up of planning experts, doctors and architects, did not rank the different sites considered, but left the health minister to consider observations made in the report.
He is expected to make his own recommendations to Cabinet within weeks.
Mr Kenny insisted no-one else had been appointed to compile a separate report.
"Don't be running away with the illusion that Minister Reilly or any other Minister, or the Government, went off to commission an individual or individuals to consider sites," he said.
The Taoiseach reiterated previous claims that while Dr Reilly would make recommendations, the final say as to where the hospital was built rested with Cabinet as a whole.
Earlier, the Tánaiste's decision to look into the issue himself raised further concerns of a developing rift between Labour and Fine Gael.
But Mr Gilmore defended the strength of the Coalition, saying he merely had his team present him with all the facts.
Last month, Labour's former Junior Minister Roisin Shortall controversially resigned after it emerged Dr Reilly added two sites in his constituency to her list of primary care health centres.
She went on to admit she and the minister had a personality clash and that he did not have the best interests of the programme for Government.
It was originally anticipated that the National Children's Hospital would be completed by 2016.
The planning appeals board rejected proposals in February, arguing that the original plans for a 74 metre-high building over 100,000 square feet was too large and out of place in the Georgian city skyline.
Twitter24/10/12
Raised the
alarming increase in private health insurance #Dáil min Reilly
seems to have forgotten his outrage when in opposition
Breaking News.ie 25/10/12
Tánaiste: I don't want to 'track' Health Minister
Tánaiste: I don't want to 'track' Health Minister
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said today that he has no wish to
track the meetings held by Health Minister James Reilly in relation to
proposals to build a primary care centre in his own constituency.
It comes after it emerged that Minister Reilly held a meeting with Nama about the building of a primary care centre in Balbriggan months before he gave priority to the building of the facility in his own local area.
The Tánaiste was asked about it today by Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald.
"You might also, Tánaiste, usefully asks the Minister to explain why it was he was meeting with Nama on the 20th of April last, to discuss primary care centres in Balbriggan, a meeting that took place, that he was personally in attendance at, months in advance of his doctoring of the list of primary care centres," she said.
Minister Gilmore said that he was not going to get involved, however.
"I can't track, nor do I want to track, the diaries of every Minister in this Government, and who they met, and when they met him and so on, nor, indeed, could I possibly do so."
It comes after it emerged that Minister Reilly held a meeting with Nama about the building of a primary care centre in Balbriggan months before he gave priority to the building of the facility in his own local area.
The Tánaiste was asked about it today by Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald.
"You might also, Tánaiste, usefully asks the Minister to explain why it was he was meeting with Nama on the 20th of April last, to discuss primary care centres in Balbriggan, a meeting that took place, that he was personally in attendance at, months in advance of his doctoring of the list of primary care centres," she said.
Minister Gilmore said that he was not going to get involved, however.
"I can't track, nor do I want to track, the diaries of every Minister in this Government, and who they met, and when they met him and so on, nor, indeed, could I possibly do so."
5. Broadcast
Coverage
1/10/12-
R.T.E News 9 o clock R.T.E One
Shrothall accuses Reilly of stroke
politics. Reilly rejects it as insulting. David Daven-Power reports outside
government buildings. Reilly did not know why Shorthall resigned.
2/10/12-
Morning Ireland R.T.E Radio One
David Daven-Power reports Reilly
will address Fine Geal health committee. Alex White new junior minister trying
to draw a line under the crisis and Reilly’s selection. Not likely to come to
get major criticism. He will at later
date have to face oireacthas committee to explain criteria.
2/10/12-
Prime Time R.T.E One
Prime time looks at delays on
abortion laws in Ireland. Programme showed clip where Dr Reilly made pledge
about abortion. Minister released statement to programme about further
political consultation on the issue.
3/10/12
Morning Ireland R.T.E Radio One
Primary Care site owned by Fine
Geal supporter revealed by Fiach Kelly of the Irish Independent. Dr Reilly was
asked to appear but instead released statement to programme stating that there
was a connection but no wrongdoing. Fiach Kelly explains who Seamus Murphy is a
Fine Geal supporter pointing out connection between two men.
3/10/12-
9o clock News R.T.E One
Two Labour M.E.Ps call for James Reilly
resignation. David Mc Cullogh reports outside government buildings. Site chosen
during Reilly’s time as Minister. Reilly strenuously denies allegations…he
would make the same decision again.
3/10/12
– Tonight with Vincent Brown TV3
James Reilly controversy won’t go
away forced into a U-turn about primary care site in his constituency. Panel
includes Norren Hegarty (Independent .I.E) Brain Walsh F.G T.D for Galway West,
Fiach Kelly Irish Independent, and Peader Tobin S.F T.D for Meath West.
4/10/12-
Morning Ireland R.T.E Radio One
James Reilly finds himself in hot
water. Brian Dowling reports. Difficulty nobody has been able to provide a
series of documents about how decisions were made. Solid cabinet backing few
raised doubts. Labour does not want to damage government but does not mean
happy with way this was handled. Whether James Reilly can get beyond this is
another issue.
4/10/12-
R.T.E News 6 o clock R.T.E One
Tánaiste told Dail he was assured
no ministerial involvement. Micheal Martin accused Gilmore of dropping
Shorthall. Sharp exchanges between Tánaiste and Sinn Fein. David Daven-Power
reports outside government buildings. Less clarity on how Swords and Balbriggan
were picked. Can Dr Reilly survive?
4/10/12-
Prime Time R.T.E One
Una Smith reports, Tánaiste assured no
ministerial involvement in care site not everyone in Labour party happy. H.S.E
official said the location was not prioritised in 2007. Richard Crowley asks
Michael Martin in studio what James Reilly needs to do. D.r Reilly was invited
to come on the programme but was unable to do so.
6/10/12-
R.T.E News 9 o clock R.T.E One
Health minister tells consultants
that new work practices will be in place next month. Fergal Bowers Health
correspondent reports from consultant’s conference in Galway. Changes will make
consultants more available on the weekends. Minister committed to introducing
the plan. Will bring proposal for new children’s hospital to Taoiseach and
Tánaiste soon.
8/10/12-
Morning Ireland R.T.E Radio One
Fergal Bowers reports on the
impending selection of the national children’s hospital site. Dolphin group
reported to the minister last June and selection has narrowed to four sites.
Will bring his analysis to meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and then
bring to cabinet for formal decision. Decision will be ministers not the
Dolphin reports. Main contenders Connolly hospital and St James are the most
likely sites.
8/10/12-
R.T.E News 9 o clock R.T.E One
This week Health Minister will
brief Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the next ten days. It will then be brought to
cabinet. St James site looks like the favourite location. Bellcamp is dark
horse located inside minsters constituency as a result of boundary changes.
15/10/12-R.T.E
News 9 o clock R.T.E One
New deal with drugs companies could
make medicines cheaper and save the state €400m. Fergal Bowers reports. James
Reilly told reporters those who have to buy medicines will now find it more
affordable and saving will be able to go into other areas of health service
16/10/12-
Tonight With Vincent Brown TV3
Troika back in town, controversy
over health overspend. Can Phil Hogan’s Local Government reform distract form Department
of Health overspend. Panel includes Luke Ming Flanagan Independent T.D, Senator
Susan O Keefe Labour, and Sarah Mc Inearney Sunday Times.
18/10/12 – Prime Time R.T.E One
Eithne O Brien reports. Government
planes to cut up to 900,000 hours of home help by end of year. Showed clip
where James Reilly announced last summer he would do everything in his power to
make sure elderly could stay in their homes.
23/10/12-
R.T.E 9 o clock News R.T.E One
Decision on the location of the new
National Children’s hospital has again been delayed. Taoiseach said
announcement will be made in 2 weeks after Eamon Gilmore performed his own
research. David Daven- Power reports Gilmore rejected claims of a breakdown in
trust between himself and James Reilly. Confusion over whether or not Taoiseach
or Tánaiste have seen Dolphin report.
25/10/12-
R.T.E 9 o clock News R.T.E One
Decision on the location of the new
national children’s hospital has moved a step closer minister briefed Taoiseach
and Tánaiste. Fergal Bowers reports outside government buildings. Minster told
to prepare report to brief cabinet. Three hospitals are still in contention.
Memo will show best location and a cabinet decision will follow.
6. Media Log Evaluation summary
How
I though the story evolved
It is important to note that despite
the fact D.R James Reilly made the news nearly every day during the month of
October other news stories also gained coverage such as Minister Phil Hogan’s
Local Government reforms and the visit to Dublin by the Troika. The D.r James
Reilly story exploded in the first week of October with the news that Roisin
Shorthall was resigning in protest because Dr Reilly added a primary care site
to his constituency without giving the criteria he used to make the selection.
Once the primary care site scandal lost media interest, it was not long before
the media started to ask serious questions about the location of the proposed
new national children’s hospital. Despite the fact it has yet to gain as much
media coverage as the primary care site scandal it most certainly will be a
news story that go on longer than the month of October.
Was
the coverage fair?
I believe the majority of coverage
that surrounded Dr James Reilly was fair and most importantly honest. A perfect
example was an opinion piece written by the political editor of the Irish Independent
Fionan Sheahan on the 5th of October which examined the possibility
that the reason why Dr Reilly is never far from controversy is because of his
lack of political savvy. It would be very difficult to disagree with this point
as he was only elected to the Dail for the first time in 2007 at the age of 56
after spending no time in any other political office. However some of the on line commentary on
social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter was less favourable. I
also believe that the broadcast coverage during the month of October was both
accurate and honest when discussing Dr Reilly.
Did
the coverage vary depending on the medium chosen?
One observation I made during the
evaluation period was how there was little variation between the broadsheet
news coverage and broadcast coverage. For example on the 3rd of
October when it was revealed that a Fine Gael supporter was the owner of the
proposed primary care site , it not only made the front page of the Irish Independent it was also the main
topic of discussion on radio programmes such as Morning Ireland and television
programmes such as Prime Time. I also make the observation of how there was
little variation between the print and the electronic media, one example of
this was Thursday 18th of
October I only located 2 articles in broadsheets and one tweet on twitter.
Evaluation
methods
Advertising
Value Equivalent (A.V.E): is widely used in industry as a
method of putting a value on publicity received by the client.
1. Measure
the height of the article
2. Multiply
the height of article by the number of columns
3. Then
to get A.E (advertising equivalent) multiply your answer by mono or colour S.CC
(single column centimetre) rate.
4. Multiply
you’re A.E by the recommended industry standard 3.5 cm to get your A.V.E.
Example
1: Irish Independent Reilly opts for Connolly as location for children’s
8/10/12
Height of article 6.5cm x 6 columns
=39cm
A.E = 39cm x €75.15 mono =€ 2,390.85
A.V.E= €2,390.85 x 3,5cm = €
10,257.98
Example
2: Irish Times Electronic scripts being developed in innovation Hub 20/10/12
Height of Article 19cm x 2 columns =
38cm
A.E= 38cm x €69.80 mono= € 2,652.40
A.V.E= €2,652.40 x 3.5cm = €9,283.40
Example
3: Irish Daily Star VHI warns on health insurance increase. 30/10/12
Height of article= 25cm x 1 column=
25
A.E= 25cm x €73.15= €1,828.75
A.V.E= €1,828.75 x 3.5 = €6,400.63
Pyramid
model of Evaluation
This method of evaluation is divided
into three stages
- Outputs- the first stage
- Outtakes- the second stage
- Outcomes- the final stage
Outputs-
first stage
The first stage of the Pyramid model
of Evaluation is raising the public awareness through outputs such as media
information. For example the Department of Health issued a press release when
Dr Reilly welcomed the reduction in waiting lists.
Outtakes-
the second stage
In this stage it usually shows that
attitudes are developing this is shown through opinion polls. For example the IPOS
MRBI poll carried out for the Irish Times showed James Reilly had the lowest
satisfaction rating out of six ministers. This shows how the public have
developed a negative attitude towards the Minister for Health.
Outcomes-the
final stage
The final stage of the pyramid model
of evaluation shows how behaviour can change. For example when it was announced
nearly 1,000,000 of home help hours would be cut despite promises made by James
Reilly it encouraged people to take to the streets.
What
did I learn from the exercise?
- Value of Crisis P.R plan: The tensions between Roisin Shorthall and D.r James Reilly were mounting considerably before her subsequent departure and therefore would have been a crisis that could have been anticipated crisis. A crisis P.R plan would have been useful to D.r Reilly as it would have given him an opportunity to rebuild faith and confidence in himself and the Department of Health after the Shorthall controversy died down.
- Increased awareness of Evaluation Methods: Previously I was not aware of the different methods of evaluation used to evaluate media coverage. The knowledge I gained during this assignment about evaluation methods will be hugely beneficial to me when working in the P.R industry.
- Advantages of Evaluation Log: In industry it could give me the opportunity to review media coverage received by the client from a variety of different mediums.
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