I like it…
On Tuesday, Olivia O’Leary shared some thoughts on International Women’s Day.
Then yesterday, our new Taoiseach, Enda Kenny revealed his new Cabinet.
And, guess what?…
The Labour deputy leader, Moan Joan Burton, the party’s Finance spokesperson for the past nine years, did not get the portfolio with responsibility for public sector reform, for which she had been widely tipped. Instead, she was given Social Protection.
Also… two prominent female Labour TD’s, Roisín Shortall and Jan O’Sullivan were not promoted.
Add to that… there are fewer women in this new Cabinet than in the outgoing government.
Progress… eh?
As far as I can see, the only concession made was that a woman was appointed to the position of Attorney General…
Labour’s Máire Whelan, is the first woman to occupy the post of legal adviser to the government. Hur…ray!
Apart from all that, the good news is… this new coalition government has promised major health reform. The new Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, is committed to developing a new universal health insurance (UHI) system which aims to end 2-tier healthcare and give everyone equal access to GP and hospital treatment based solely on medical need.
Bring it on!
Biopsy Report 
It is all a bit yawn really isn’t it – but I am very excited about the review of the children’s hospital! Great to see your blog sparkle back Steph – I’ve missed you! xxx
I am so pleased to see you in my reader. As such I can’t really take the words in so will return to read again. Welcome home Steph.
Welcome back! It was good to chat yesterday. Having a Medical Doctor in charge of the Health portfolio seems like a great idea to me. Alas, he is beginning from the bottom of a great black hole – it will take time.
Welcome back Steph
We have to live in hope that improvements will be made to the health system
Annb, Achelois, Grannymar and Lily…
Thank you all for your kind welcome back. I’m very lucky to have any readers left at this stage!
Having heard Olivia O’Leary’s excellent piece on Drivetime the evening before the new Cabinet was selected, it seemed to re-awaken my sense of injustice and I felt compelled to share my thoughts. I await the reform of our health service with great interest but also in the knowledge that it’a going to take a long time to undo the damage imposed by the last government.
After the terrible tragedy which has struck Japan today, the problems we face here seem to pale into insignificance. A sad day for mankind.
Welcome back Steph…
Cheers! Knipex
I treasure your support.
Instead of spending hours in front of my computer, I’ve been doing a lot of walking in recent months and feel much fitter for it.
While I’m not writing many blog posts these days, I’m kept busy with answering email queries about MRSA, EDS and chronic sinus problems. It gives me a lot of pleasure to know that my blog helps others even when I’m ignoring it!
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