Fine Gael’s Dr. Twomey raised issues regarding the provision of mental health services in County Wexford with the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney in the Seanad this week.
Acknowledging the need to close St. Senan’s hospital because of the poor facilities which are available in this hospital, Dr. Twomey said however that he is not keen on the plan envisaged at the moment. “Under that plan, patients from County Wexford must go to either Carlow or Waterford to receive treatment and the Government has no plans to build an acute unit on the grounds of Wexford General Hospital. That is another backward step because while many patients can be treated in the community, there is a need for an acute admissions unit for those who suffer an acute psychiatric crisis. They need immediate help and proper in-patient care when such a thing happens. A large unit would not be necessary, things have moved on, and patient stays in acute units can be considerably shortened. There should, however, be an acute unit on the grounds of Wexford General Hospital because the county has a population of over 130,000, with a huge transient population. In the past I have dealt with acute psychiatric crises among those passing through the county. That can be more difficult because they have no family support or company when the episode occurs and there is a need for immediate transfer.”
Dr. Twomey also called on the Minister of State to look at the way patient transfers are being carried out. “At the moment, there can be significant delays for the patients most at risk, waiting on the HSE team to arrive. I would be concerned that if St. Senan’s closed completely and the delays that can happen with the HSE team at present continue, we could find ourselves in a worse situation with the patients that need the highest level of care during an acute episode.”
Dr. Liam Twomey, Fine Gael Wexford
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - TWOMEY CALLS ON THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO ENGAGE WITH THE OPPOSITION
Dr. Liam Twomey of Fine Gael has expressed concern about the effect that the continuation of the public sector crisis will have on the economy over the coming year. As a result of his concern, he called for an urgent debate on the issue of the public sector dispute in the Seanad this week but it was defeated by the government senators who voted against the debate.
Dr. Twomey pointed out that discussions are underway between the Government and the public sector union leadership but the Opposition has no idea what is happening in those negotiations. “We have all received representations from public sector workers who are concerned about these pay cuts. I, like other public representatives in county Wexford, have received a letter from the leadership of the IMPACT union that issued veiled threats about what it would do at the next general election if we do not support them. I say to the leadership of the public sector unions that we do not even know what it wants to negotiate on. Even though some people in this House support the public sector unions in this industrial action, the public sector unions themselves are not engaging with the Opposition to any degree.”
Dr. Twomey added, “There is a concern that a divide is arising between public and private sector workers. This industrial action will only ensure a divide between the public sector and the general public. The people who need the help the most are the ones that are being the most badly affected by the dispute. The people that come to public reps for help only come because they have exhausted all avenues themselves and are having difficulties either financially or medically. When the public sector workers send back unopened my letters of representation for my county Wexford constituents, they are causing problems for my constituents, not the government politicians.”
Dr. Twomey called on the unions to let the opposition public representatives know what they aim to achieve in the negotiations with the Government. “The government will not tell us anything so it’s important for the unions to engage with us so that we have some idea what is happening at the moment.”
Dr. Twomey pointed out that discussions are underway between the Government and the public sector union leadership but the Opposition has no idea what is happening in those negotiations. “We have all received representations from public sector workers who are concerned about these pay cuts. I, like other public representatives in county Wexford, have received a letter from the leadership of the IMPACT union that issued veiled threats about what it would do at the next general election if we do not support them. I say to the leadership of the public sector unions that we do not even know what it wants to negotiate on. Even though some people in this House support the public sector unions in this industrial action, the public sector unions themselves are not engaging with the Opposition to any degree.”
Dr. Twomey added, “There is a concern that a divide is arising between public and private sector workers. This industrial action will only ensure a divide between the public sector and the general public. The people who need the help the most are the ones that are being the most badly affected by the dispute. The people that come to public reps for help only come because they have exhausted all avenues themselves and are having difficulties either financially or medically. When the public sector workers send back unopened my letters of representation for my county Wexford constituents, they are causing problems for my constituents, not the government politicians.”
Dr. Twomey called on the unions to let the opposition public representatives know what they aim to achieve in the negotiations with the Government. “The government will not tell us anything so it’s important for the unions to engage with us so that we have some idea what is happening at the moment.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - A PRICE CANNOT BE PUT ON SAVING LIVES - TWOMEY
Fine Gael’s Dr. Liam Twomey is very disappointed and worried that the Department of Transport is planning on downgrading the South East’s Coast Guard Search and Rescue Service. “The plan is to downgrade the 24 hour service to a 12 hour service. The aim seems to be to reduce costs and this move will result in savings of 1 million euro. This is a very small saving when we are talking of giving billions of tax payers’ money to the banks.”
Dr. Twomey added that the other three services in the country at Dublin, Sligo and Shannon will continue to operate on a 24 hour basis. “Given that there are three ports in this area: Cork, Rosslare and Waterford, I question what criteria the Transport Department has used to decide that the South East will be the rescue service that will be downgraded.”
“If a fishing crew gets into trouble when the service is not in operation, who will go to this crew’s rescue? The entire south and south east coasts will have no rescue service. Sligo and Dublin would be too far away to be able to offer a suitable rapid assistance. “
Dr. Twomey also pointed out that time and again, we see this government put cost before saving people’s lives. “However, they do not show such reticence at spending money when it comes to saving the lifestyles of their banker friends.”
Dr. Twomey added that the other three services in the country at Dublin, Sligo and Shannon will continue to operate on a 24 hour basis. “Given that there are three ports in this area: Cork, Rosslare and Waterford, I question what criteria the Transport Department has used to decide that the South East will be the rescue service that will be downgraded.”
“If a fishing crew gets into trouble when the service is not in operation, who will go to this crew’s rescue? The entire south and south east coasts will have no rescue service. Sligo and Dublin would be too far away to be able to offer a suitable rapid assistance. “
Dr. Twomey also pointed out that time and again, we see this government put cost before saving people’s lives. “However, they do not show such reticence at spending money when it comes to saving the lifestyles of their banker friends.”
Friday, March 12, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - TWOMEY – PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE THEIR SAY
After the meeting with the HSE this morning, Fine Gael’s Dr. Liam Twomey said that there was no clear indication from the HSE that it still fully understands the importance of the A & E Department at Wexford General Hospital for the people of Wexford.
“Concerns were raised by both the HSE and Dr. Colm Quigley about manpower issues for the hospital that relate to the European Working Time Directive. They also discussed the transfer of services from Wexford General Hospital to Waterford Regional Hospital. The HSE did give an undertaking that they would come back to the Oireachtas members before the final report was published but there is still a need for the people of Wexford to remain vigilant and for that reason, I fully support the people of Wexford having another public meeting. “
Dr. Twomey added “The politicians had their say at the last meeting. This time the doctors, nurses, admin staff, patient representatives and other health care staff should do the talking at the podium on this occasion. I am willing to make my contribution towards paying for the logistics in organising this meeting that includes room hire, advertising, posters etc. I hope that all politicians and political parties will support this stand because we must all work together to ensure that the HSE is clear about our message of how important our hospital is to all of us in County Wexford.”
“Concerns were raised by both the HSE and Dr. Colm Quigley about manpower issues for the hospital that relate to the European Working Time Directive. They also discussed the transfer of services from Wexford General Hospital to Waterford Regional Hospital. The HSE did give an undertaking that they would come back to the Oireachtas members before the final report was published but there is still a need for the people of Wexford to remain vigilant and for that reason, I fully support the people of Wexford having another public meeting. “
Dr. Twomey added “The politicians had their say at the last meeting. This time the doctors, nurses, admin staff, patient representatives and other health care staff should do the talking at the podium on this occasion. I am willing to make my contribution towards paying for the logistics in organising this meeting that includes room hire, advertising, posters etc. I hope that all politicians and political parties will support this stand because we must all work together to ensure that the HSE is clear about our message of how important our hospital is to all of us in County Wexford.”
PRESS RELEASE - WE NEED A RESOLUTION TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR DISPUTE - TWOMEY
Fine Gael’s Dr Liam Twomey has welcomed that talks between representatives of the Government and the public sector unions are to get under way to try to resolve the dispute over Government pay cuts.
Dr Twomey said he hopes the talks will allow the unions to defer their strike action.
‘Any strike will reduce productivity in the economy. If productivity is reduced, our competitiveness will be reduced and if that happens, more people will lose their jobs in the coming months. Wexford cannot afford any more job cuts. The government deficit is already massive and we are heading towards bankruptcy, Public sector workers have taken a disproportionate hit in the last two budgets that must be acknowledged. Unfortunately, the Governments part of the economy is the part that is the greatest mess. It’s important that the pay cuts are fair to both the lower paid and those at the higher end o the scale.’
Most of the public throughout the country and in County Wexford have been badly affected by the work to rule action taken, but Dr Twomey has said that these talks should be seen as a great chance to make positive changes in the public sector.
‘This should not be seen as just talks about pay, but should be seen as a chance to transform the public sector. Morale is low at the moment as the public service has been singled out for blame by the private sector and the public in general.
These talks can change the public service into a service that is more efficient, transparent and accountable. The Taoiseach and the unions missed this opportunity in the past. This missed opportunity to genuinely reform the public sector under Bertie Ahern’s leadership has contributed to the present crisis.
This time it is a make or break issue.
Dr Twomey said he hopes the talks will allow the unions to defer their strike action.
‘Any strike will reduce productivity in the economy. If productivity is reduced, our competitiveness will be reduced and if that happens, more people will lose their jobs in the coming months. Wexford cannot afford any more job cuts. The government deficit is already massive and we are heading towards bankruptcy, Public sector workers have taken a disproportionate hit in the last two budgets that must be acknowledged. Unfortunately, the Governments part of the economy is the part that is the greatest mess. It’s important that the pay cuts are fair to both the lower paid and those at the higher end o the scale.’
Most of the public throughout the country and in County Wexford have been badly affected by the work to rule action taken, but Dr Twomey has said that these talks should be seen as a great chance to make positive changes in the public sector.
‘This should not be seen as just talks about pay, but should be seen as a chance to transform the public sector. Morale is low at the moment as the public service has been singled out for blame by the private sector and the public in general.
These talks can change the public service into a service that is more efficient, transparent and accountable. The Taoiseach and the unions missed this opportunity in the past. This missed opportunity to genuinely reform the public sector under Bertie Ahern’s leadership has contributed to the present crisis.
This time it is a make or break issue.
Monday, March 8, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - TWOMEY – CAN WE TRUST THE SAME FUND MANAGERS AGAIN?
Dr. Liam Twomey of Fine Gael has called for a proper debate on the proposed pensions plan published on Wednesday.
“There is a need for the government to explain about these proposals to the people. I have been paying into a private pension plan for the last 15 years. That fund is now worth two thirds of the amount of money I have paid into it. There has been no growth or interest. The Government is saying it wants the same fund managers to manage the future pensions of low-paid workers in the same way. Low-paid workers cannot afford to take such a hit. The government needs a more risk free pension plan for low paid workers.”
Dr. Twomey pointed out that not only will employees be put under pressure to pay in to a pension that has no guarantee of a return but also the employer will have to pay towards the pension of each employee. At a time when employers are under pressure, when wages are one of the highest costs, the government is adding more to their bills. “Employer organisations claim that they will have to find the money through either pay cuts or productivity savings.”
“There is no doubt that this is a big issue for the future; young people with over forty years to wait for a pension need to prepare now. Other workers and indeed those who are not working must also engage in this debate as it will cost them now but there is no certainty of what the future holds.”
Dr. Twomey added that alot of people from Wexford had contacted him regarding the big hits that their pension funds have taken. “We have to ensure that this does not happen again and I will continue to put pressure on the Government to ensure that there is a proper debate before these proposals become finalised.”
“There is a need for the government to explain about these proposals to the people. I have been paying into a private pension plan for the last 15 years. That fund is now worth two thirds of the amount of money I have paid into it. There has been no growth or interest. The Government is saying it wants the same fund managers to manage the future pensions of low-paid workers in the same way. Low-paid workers cannot afford to take such a hit. The government needs a more risk free pension plan for low paid workers.”
Dr. Twomey pointed out that not only will employees be put under pressure to pay in to a pension that has no guarantee of a return but also the employer will have to pay towards the pension of each employee. At a time when employers are under pressure, when wages are one of the highest costs, the government is adding more to their bills. “Employer organisations claim that they will have to find the money through either pay cuts or productivity savings.”
“There is no doubt that this is a big issue for the future; young people with over forty years to wait for a pension need to prepare now. Other workers and indeed those who are not working must also engage in this debate as it will cost them now but there is no certainty of what the future holds.”
Dr. Twomey added that alot of people from Wexford had contacted him regarding the big hits that their pension funds have taken. “We have to ensure that this does not happen again and I will continue to put pressure on the Government to ensure that there is a proper debate before these proposals become finalised.”
PRESS RELEASE - TWOMEY QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT’S TRANSPARENCY OF FINANCIAL POLICY
Fine Gael’s Dr. Liam Twomey has urged the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan to explain to the people why there is not more transparency in relation to the banks.
Dr. Twomey said “The banking inquiries that are currently being carried out on behalf of the Government are taking place behind closed doors. The Government’s terms of reference prohibit any investigation of the fateful night in September 2008 when the Taoiseach saddled future generations with massive debt. Last Friday, the Minister for Finance published his budget outlook for the next couple of years. However, he made no allowance for the recapitalisation of the Irish banks. When the Minister published his outlook for the next couple of years last Friday, one can imagine the howls of derision if he had neglected to include a figure for the Department of Education and Science. In this case, he has made no allowance for the fact that the taxpayers of this State will have to come up with billions of euro to recapitalise the banks. I will continue to put pressure on the Taoiseach and the Minister so that those we represent can be properly informed about what is going on. Too much is happening behind closed doors. Taxpayers, who are footing the bill and are paying for the banks’ mistakes, are getting the rawest deal going for future generations.”
Dr. Twomey also pointed out that the Minister for Finance is misleading the public when he claims that everything is fine because Europe supports us. “The truth of the matter is that Europe does not support us. All Europe supports is that we do not cost it money; it does not care if we pauperise ourselves for the benefit of developers and senior bankers.”
Dr. Twomey added “We are putting our children’s futures at risk by pouring so much money into the banks but also in the short term, the policies are not delivering. SMEs with a good credit history are still finding it difficult to get credit from the banks. County Wexford has already been hit hard by the number of businesses that have closed in the last couple of years. Unemployment is at 18,837 in the county, which has more than doubled since January 2008. The Government must admit its mistakes before it’s too late for small and medium businesses and their employees across county Wexford and so I want the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach to explain themselves,” stressed Dr. Twomey.
Dr. Twomey said “The banking inquiries that are currently being carried out on behalf of the Government are taking place behind closed doors. The Government’s terms of reference prohibit any investigation of the fateful night in September 2008 when the Taoiseach saddled future generations with massive debt. Last Friday, the Minister for Finance published his budget outlook for the next couple of years. However, he made no allowance for the recapitalisation of the Irish banks. When the Minister published his outlook for the next couple of years last Friday, one can imagine the howls of derision if he had neglected to include a figure for the Department of Education and Science. In this case, he has made no allowance for the fact that the taxpayers of this State will have to come up with billions of euro to recapitalise the banks. I will continue to put pressure on the Taoiseach and the Minister so that those we represent can be properly informed about what is going on. Too much is happening behind closed doors. Taxpayers, who are footing the bill and are paying for the banks’ mistakes, are getting the rawest deal going for future generations.”
Dr. Twomey also pointed out that the Minister for Finance is misleading the public when he claims that everything is fine because Europe supports us. “The truth of the matter is that Europe does not support us. All Europe supports is that we do not cost it money; it does not care if we pauperise ourselves for the benefit of developers and senior bankers.”
Dr. Twomey added “We are putting our children’s futures at risk by pouring so much money into the banks but also in the short term, the policies are not delivering. SMEs with a good credit history are still finding it difficult to get credit from the banks. County Wexford has already been hit hard by the number of businesses that have closed in the last couple of years. Unemployment is at 18,837 in the county, which has more than doubled since January 2008. The Government must admit its mistakes before it’s too late for small and medium businesses and their employees across county Wexford and so I want the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach to explain themselves,” stressed Dr. Twomey.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW REAL COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - TWOMEY
Fine Gael’s Dr. Liam Twomey welcomes the Government’s decision to close St. Senan’s Hospital and to move patients to a more modern care facility.
However Dr. Twomey expressed concern about the government’s sincerity in announcing this move as this proposal has been part of the Vision for Change policy document for a number of years.
He called on the government to show its commitment to real change for mental health patients. “The government should start construction immediately on a new unit at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy for long stay psychiatric patients and it should also begin construction on a new acute psychiatric unit at Wexford General Hospital. This is what I expect the government to do if it is serious about its announcement yesterday. Mental Health Services across all levels, that includes primary care level, acute hospital care level and long stay care level, all need continuous investment to provide the necessary care for mental health patients in County Wexford. I now call on the Government to make a real commitment to Mental Health Services in a way that the people of county Wexford can believe in.”
However Dr. Twomey expressed concern about the government’s sincerity in announcing this move as this proposal has been part of the Vision for Change policy document for a number of years.
He called on the government to show its commitment to real change for mental health patients. “The government should start construction immediately on a new unit at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy for long stay psychiatric patients and it should also begin construction on a new acute psychiatric unit at Wexford General Hospital. This is what I expect the government to do if it is serious about its announcement yesterday. Mental Health Services across all levels, that includes primary care level, acute hospital care level and long stay care level, all need continuous investment to provide the necessary care for mental health patients in County Wexford. I now call on the Government to make a real commitment to Mental Health Services in a way that the people of county Wexford can believe in.”
PRESS RELEASE - GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW REAL COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES - TWOMEY
Fine Gael’s Dr. Liam Twomey welcomes the Government’s decision to close St. Senan’s Hospital and to move patients to a more modern care facility.
However Dr. Twomey expressed concern about the government’s sincerity in announcing this move as this proposal has been part of the Vision for Change policy document for a number of years.
He called on the government to show its commitment to real change for mental health patients. “The government should start construction immediately on a new unit at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy for long stay psychiatric patients and it should also begin construction on a new acute psychiatric unit at Wexford General Hospital. This is what I expect the government to do if it is serious about its announcement yesterday. Mental Health Services across all levels, that includes primary care level, acute hospital care level and long stay care level, all need continuous investment to provide the necessary care for mental health patients in County Wexford. I now call on the Government to make a real commitment to Mental Health Services in a way that the people of county Wexford can believe in.”
However Dr. Twomey expressed concern about the government’s sincerity in announcing this move as this proposal has been part of the Vision for Change policy document for a number of years.
He called on the government to show its commitment to real change for mental health patients. “The government should start construction immediately on a new unit at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy for long stay psychiatric patients and it should also begin construction on a new acute psychiatric unit at Wexford General Hospital. This is what I expect the government to do if it is serious about its announcement yesterday. Mental Health Services across all levels, that includes primary care level, acute hospital care level and long stay care level, all need continuous investment to provide the necessary care for mental health patients in County Wexford. I now call on the Government to make a real commitment to Mental Health Services in a way that the people of county Wexford can believe in.”
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