Sinn Féin TD chosen to chair the Dáil’s Health Committee
By Mary Dennehy
DUBLIN South West TD Sean Crowe has been selected to chair the Dáil’s Oireachtas Health Committee, the first Sinn Féin deputy to hold the position.
Deputy Crowe, who has a long history of raising health issues within his own constituency, said the nomination was a “great privilege”.
Sean Crowe TD, with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD
“It is a great honour and privilege to be selected chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee,” Deputy Crowe said.
“I will be the first Sinn Féin TD to hold this position and look forward to working with my northern counterpart to deliver joined up thinking when it comes to health and wellbeing of all our citizens of this island.
“The role of the Health Committee is hugely significant in holding the Department of Health and HSE to account in order that it delivers for everyone.
“I believe that, in a time dominated by the COVID crisis, the Health Committee takes on an even greater role in Irish society.”
He added: “I intend to work with all on the Committee to hold the Department of Health and the HSE to account.
“There are huge challenges in the health service and far too many seriously-ill citizens are finding themselves without supports, be it lengthening waiting lists, patients on trolleys, a lack of mental health and language supports, the challenge of accessing addiction services, problems in our nursing homes or conditions of health care workers.
“These are all serious challenges that need to be scrutinised and addressed in the months to come.”
Deputy Crowe believes that the roll-out of Sláinte Care and “ensuring the primacy” of public health care over private are areas that need attention.
“Chairing this Committee is a heavy responsibility, but I believe also a great opportunity to bring leadership and try to do things differently,” he said.
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