Constituency
Of the
University of Dublin

Election to
Seanad Eireann 2002

Election Address Of
Mary Henry M.A., M.D., D.Sc. (hc U.U.)

Outgoing Senator

If you would like to contact me please write to: 12, Burlington Road, Dublin 4.

I would be happy to send you details of the results of the election.

Ballot papers will be sent out on 12th June, 2002 and must be returned before 17th July, 2002.

Voting papers received after 11am on the 17th July, 2002 will not be included in the count so please return your ballot papers as soon as possible.

Nominators

Professor Peter Barry Bronte Gatenby, B.A., M.D., F.R.C.P.I., F.R., C.P., F.A.C.P. (hc), F.R.C.P.Ed. (hc), Hon. F.T.C.D.
Professor David John McConnell, B.A., Ph.D. (Cal. Tech), F.T.C.D., M.R.I.A., Prof. of Genetics.

Assentors

Catherine McGuinness, M.A., LI.B., Judge of the Supreme Court, Former Senator.
Peter White, B.A., Company Director.
Frances Ruane, M.A., (N.U.I.) B.Phil., D.Phil. (Oxon.), F.T.C.D. Prof. of Economics.
Geraldine Watts, M.A., M.LITT. Past President Women Graduates Association.
Sean Rothery, B.Arch., (N.U.I.), Ph.D., F.R.I.A.I., Retired Assist. Head Dept. of Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology, Lecturer School of Engineering, T.C.D.
Neil Patrick Keatinge, B.A., M.Sc., (Econ) (Lond), Ph.D., F.T.C.D. Professor of Political Science.
Yvonne Scannell, M.A., LI.M. (cantab.), LI.D., Ph.D., F.T.C.D., Barrister at Law, Professor in Law.
The Right Reverend John Robert Winder Neill, M.A., M.A. (cantab.) Lord Bishop of Cashel and Ossory.

Election Agent

Hilary Pratt, B.A., Joint Manag. Dir, Avoca Hand Weavers.

Supporters Include

Dame Beulah Bewley, M.A., M.D., Joe Keane, M.D.F.R.C.P.I., F.R.C.P. (UK), Rachel Hussey, LI.B., Ann Porter, B.A., Prof. Donald Weir, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P.I., F.R.C.P., John Sharpe, M.V.B., M.A., Mavis Arnold, Dip. Soc. Sc., Mary Pyle, M.A., H.Dip.Ed., Dip. Inst. Group Analysis (Lond), Molly Walmsley, B.A., Hugh Leonard, D. Litt (Hon), Dick Spring, B.A., Barrister at Law, Kaye Marshall, M.S.C.P., M.I.S.C.P., John Stinson, M.B., M.A., M.R.C.P.I., Fred Moore, F.R.C.S.I., F.R.C.S.Ed., JA Walmsley, M.B.E., M.A., Adrian Bourke, LI.B., M.A., Prof. Aine Hyland, Ph.D., Prof. David Spearman, M.A., Ph.D. (Cantab), M.R.I.A., F.T.C.D., Jack Kirwan, LI.B., M.A., Paulyn Marrinan Quinn, B.A., Barrister at Law, G.P. Moss, B Comm., Jill Cox, LI.B., M.A. David Bird, B.A., Agr.B., Nora Sheehy-Skeffington, M.B., Judith Woodworth, B.A., Rebecca Johnston, M.B., Donald Pratt, LI.B., David Cox, B.A., Prof. Brian McMurry, M.A., Ph.D., S.F.T.C.D., Vivienne Darling, M.A., Paul O’Sullivan, M.A., Bernie Brennan, B.A., Ann Budd, M.A., Senator Maurice Hayes, LI.D. (hc) D.U., Juliette Hussey, M.A., Simon Nugent, B.A. Prof., Arthur Tanner, M.D., F.R.C.S.I., Prof. Tom O’Dowd, M.A., M.D., Prof. Roy Foster, M.A., Ph.D., Prof. Thomas Bewley, M.A., M.D., M.D. (1987 hc), F.R.C.Psych, F.R.C.P.I., F.R.C.P. Lond, Fiona Bradley, M.B., F.R.C.G.P., M.I.C.G.P., John De Courcy Ireland, Ph.D.

May I thank all who helped me in this campaign

Curriculum Vitae

Born 11 May, 1940 in Blackrock, Cork. Husband, John McEntagart of Dublin. Three children: Meriel, medical practitioner, John, environmental engineer and Ralph, software engineer.

Schools Attended

St Michael’s National School, Blackrock, Cork, Rochelle School, Cork and Alexandra College, Dublin.

At Trinity College

First Non-Foundation Scholar in Medicine l962.
B.A. in English and History of Medicine l963.
Dublin University M.B. ( Honours) (l965), M.A. (l966), M.D. (l968).
Undergraduate distinctions at Dublin University include:
Arthur Ball Prize in Surgery,
Sir James Craig Memorial Prize in Medicine,
Daniel John Cunningham Memorial Medal and Prize in Anatomy,
De Renzy Centenary Prize in Social and Preventive Medicine,
Andrew Francis Dixon Prize in Anatomy,
John Mallet Purser Medal in Physiology, Biochemistry and Histology,
Dr. Henry Hutchinson Stewart Scholarship.
Aquilla Smith Prize in Pathology and Microbiology,
Walter G. Smyth Prize in Pharmacology,
Connolly Norman Medal in Mental Diseases,
National Children's Hospital Prize in Paediatrics
St. Anne's Hospital Prize in Dermatology,
Haughton Prize, Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital,
Reuben Harvey Prize in Final Medical Examination,
Fitzpatrick Scholarship Final Medical Examination.

Occupation and Present Appointments

Member of Seanad Eireann (Dublin University Panel)
Medical Practitioner
Member, Board of the Rotunda Hospital
Member of the Board of Peamount Hospital
President, Diabetes Federation of Ireland
Governor, Adelaide Hospital, Dublin
Chairman and Trustee, Trinity College Association and Trust
President, Cherish - organisation for lone Parents
Member Royal Irish Academy of Medicine
Editor, Trinity Alumni Medical News
Member, Ethics Committee of the Irish Hospitals Consultants Association
Member, European Parliamentary Network on HIV/AIDS
Member, The British-Irish Interparliamentary Body
Patron, Irish Raynaud’s and Sceleroderma Society
Member of the Irish Advisory Committee of the Medical Defence Union
Patron, Irish Penal Reform Trust
Member, European Committee of the International Medical Parliamentarians Organisation
Patron, Dalkey School Project for Multi-denominational Education
Alternative delegate Forum on Europe

Previous Appointments Include

President, The Irish Association
Member, Comhairle na nOspideal
Alternate Delegate, Forum for Peace and Reconciliation
Chairperson, Fund-raising Committee of the Rape Crisis Centre
Member, Board of the WellWomen Centre
Member, Irish Congress of Trade Unions Advisory Committee on Women's Health.
Member, Executive of the Irish Red Cross. Chairperson of Overseas committee.
Member, Government Comm. to establish Sexual Assault Unit

To the Electors of Dublin University

Serious work can be done in the Seanad and I believe that by my presence there over the past nine and a half years, I have made a difference. Much legislation begins in the Seanad now and I am sure the new government will continue this policy. The atmosphere is less confrontational than in the Dail and obvious problems are more agreeably ironed out. It has been a great honour to represent you and I would like to continue.

I have had amendments accepted to many bills, most recently the Mental Health Bill, 2000, the Sex Offenders Bill 2000, the Residential Institutions Redress Bill, 2001, the Ombudsman for Children Bill, 2002 and the Diseases of Animals (Amendment) Bill, 2001.

I initiated more than twice as many Adjournment debates as any other senator in the past year on topics ranging from the UN Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons Convention, All Island Tracing Schemes and Chiropodists and GMS Patients.

My Private Members Bill to amend the Mental Health Bill I hope pushed implementation of legislation in this area along. In Private Members Time I organised a debate on genetics.

With hard work and imagination much can be achieved in the Seanad. Many Independent Deputies in the newly elected Dail have been put forward by the electorate to promote health and disability issues. These topics I promise to continue to address in the Seanad if re-elected. Although a long time supporter of the Labour Party, I will follow, as I have done, the tradition of most University Senators and remain independent.

Health

• Problems with the Health Service dominated the debates during the elections for the Dail. However there was no emphasis on those who work in the Health Service. Little attention is paid to the fact that while we are training many health service workers it is impossible to retain them because working conditions are now so stressful. For the same reason many take early retirement. The establishment by College of the Edward Kennedy Chair in Health Management and Policy is a worthy initiative but it is difficult with issues such as career structures and the lack of statutory registrations for some professions which need to be addressed.

• The implementation of the new Mental Health Bill is vital. Passing it was one step but no action has yet been taken on our much criticised policy regarding the involuntary admission of mentally ill patients to hospital.

• When I presented myself for re-election five years ago I pointed out that we had no legislation covering Assisted Human Reproduction (IVF) despite our renowned expertise here. I said I would bring forward a Private Member’s Bill aimed at regulating IVF if elected. I was elected, I did bring forward a Bill, the government voted it down and we still have no legislation. It did however stimulate the establishment of a Committee to look into the issue. I will redouble my efforts to get proper legislation brought forward.

• Our expertise in the field of genetics is world class. I will continue to insist on Ireland’s involvement in all debates on human genetics. We must be present at all EU and international meetings which are addressing regulation and legislation.

• During the debate on the Abortion Referendum (which I opposed vigorously) the problems of women who are diagnosed early in pregnancy as carrying a child who cannot survive outside the womb arose. While some women want to continue with their pregnancies, those women who wish for termination at present have to make private arrangements with clinics in England. It would not be legal to terminate these pregnancies here. As the Masters of the three Dublin Maternity Hospitals said it is desirable that the cause of the lethal abnormality of the foetus should be diagnosed in case it could effect future pregnancies. I have urged the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to make proper arrangements for such women with obstetric units in England or Northern Ireland with the support of the Department of Health.

Education and Employment

• Benefits can occur from the demographic dividend, the decreased number of children coming forward for primary and secondary education. Class sizes should fall and advantage must be taken of this. Where children with disabilities are integrated into the general school system adequate assistance must be made available to teachers so that all the children benefit from this initiative. Physical education and sport should be promoted from primary level. At present it is frequently non existent.

• I support the Universities’ initiative to encourage the study of science subjects and mathematics at second level. Trinity has played a leading role here. It is essential if we are to produce the graduates needed for our new industries that students take science subjects at school. The early introduction of foreign languages to children must become a priority too.

• Again I would emphasise the need to encourage sport and exercise among teenagers in view of our serious increase in the number of young people suffering from Type II diabetes which is associated with obesity and lack of exercise.

• Funding for the universities and other third level institutions will have to increase. At present the low capitation grant from the Government means class sizes are becoming too large. Also, student grants should be increased because many students are working outside College for many hours with deleterious effects on their studies.

• Research time is not protected in all disciplines. This means despite all the success Trinity has had with Science Foundation Ireland and private funding bodies we will get left behind in the international scene. My support for the Irish Research Scientists Association will continue.

• Life long learning is mainly aspirational in Ireland but in a changing world it must be made a reality. People must be enabled to transfer from one form of employment to another by retraining.

• I support the Dublin Institute of Technology’s desire to attain University status.

European Union Enlargement

• Our future I feel is within the European Union. I visit many of the applicant countries for membership of the EU and see the huge strides they have made to be ready for entry. The reservations of those who opposed the Nice referendum must be addressed immediately by the new government. To maintain a better link with the European Parliament our Members should be allowed to address the Seanad.

Environmental Issues

• Food safety is an important issue for both domestic and foreign consumers. I will continue to press for the better traceability of meat and other products and the enforcement of high standards.

• The efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency to protect our water are yielding some good results but the EU nitrate and phosphate directives have not been implemented yet.

• Waste reduction must be promoted especially in the areas of domestic, hospital and toxic waste. I have again used recycled paper for my election address and regret that recycled is now more expensive than the new product.

Northern Ireland

• Better co-operation in all areas continues. As a member of the Advisory Committee on the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics at Queens’ University I will continue to work for the better representation of women at all levels of decision making on this island. It is regrettable that there was so little increase in the number of women elected to Dail Eireann.

Legal and Social Issues

• Despite promises, legislation in the treatment of the mentally ill before the Courts or in custody has not materialised. Agreeing with those member of the judiciary who have criticised roundly the present state of affairs, I will bring forward a Private Members Bill on the issue if re-elected.

• The long established co-operation between the public and the Gardai has been tested recently. I support any efforts to restore the trust that previously existed.

• Little progress has been made on childcare. I promoted tax relief for child and elder care in the past and will continue if re-elected. The establishment of community childcare places is essential, as is better support for at risk families.

Progressive policies will be promoted and those which are reactionary resisted.

Trinity Senators have done this in the past and I will continue to uphold this tradition.

I ask you for your No. 1 Vote, or if not that, your highest possible preference please.

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