Health Inequalities

1. The IMO call on the Taoiseach to establish a cross departmental group to address health inequality in Ireland. Such a group should be tasked with addressing all the social, environmental and commercia determinants of health inequality and develop a fully funded plan to reduce the levels of inequality.

Proposer: IMO Council

Carried

 

Social Media

2. In light of the growing evidence of the harm caused to minors by social media the IMO calls on Government to act by introducing legislation to ban social media for under 16 year olds. The Australian government has passed similar legislation, and we, as a group of doctors, feel it is imperative that our Government follow suit.

Proposer: Dr Aideen Brides Seconder : Prof Matthew Sadlier

Carried

 

Pornography

 

3. The IMO calls on the Government to immediately introduce a ban on all pornography which depicts sexual violence, misogyny and degrading sexual practices as well as content implying or promoting underage sexual activity. The penalties should be comparable to those used for distribution and access of child pornography.

 

Proposer: Prof Matthew Sadlier Seconder: Dr Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh

Carried

 

4. The IMO calls upon the Government to immediately legislate to ensure all websites/on-line businesses distributing pornographic material (either as a primary or secondary business) have strict age verification systems which include some off-line element (ie passport, driving license).

 

Proposer: Prof Matthew Sadlier Seconder: Dr Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh

Carried

 

Screen Time

 

5. Given the increase in communication difficulties presenting in early school age children the IMO commends the HSE's screen use guidance included in the "My Child" series but calls on the Government to support this with a well funded media campaign to highlight the dangers of screen use in early years.

 

Proposer: Prof Matthew Sadlier Seconder: Dr Aideen Brides

 

Carried

 

 

IT Systems

 

6. This meeting calls on the HSE to review the amount of risk created and time lost by the lack of availability of up-to-date and accurate clinical information during consultations with patients. The non-integration of systems is leading to key clinical information not being available in a timely manner, which presents unacceptable risks for patients and staff.

 

Proposer: NCHD Committee

Carried

 

Coroners Service

 

7. In relation to the forthcoming reform of the coroners service The Irish Medical Organisation is concerned that the Department of Justice is tending towards the view that the primary qualification required for all future coroners will be of a legal degree as opposed to a medical degree. This is at variance to the present practice where coroners can be either a medically or legally trained professional. The Irish Medical Organisation would feel that this would lead to an immediate and long lasting reduction in the quality and effectiveness of the coronial process generally but particularly in relation to deciding when a post mortem is necessary, interaction with family members and the conducting of medical inquests.

 

Proposer: Dr Denis McCauley Seconder: Dr Ray Walley

Carried as amended

Amendment

The IMO believes that coroners with medical qualifications are essential to the coronial process

 

Community Opthalmic Services

 

8. The IMO calls on the Department of Health and the HSE to resource the nationwide extension of the Community Opthalmic Services Medical Treatment Scheme (COSMTS) in keeping with the Sláintecare Principles and in accordance with the 2025 Programme for Government

 

Proposer: Dr Maxwell Treacy Seconder: Dr Margaret Pierse

Carried

Slaintecare

 

9. The IMO calls on the Government to confirm its plans for the continued development and roll-out of Sláintecare.

 

Proposer: NCHD Committee

Carried as amended

Amendment

The IMO calls on the Government to clarify its plans for Sláintecare.

Trade Union Membership

 

10. The IMO calls on the Minister for Finance to reinstate the previous arrangements which allowed for union members to claim tax relief on trade union fees. Given the key role that unions play in protecting workers, advocating for improvements in working conditions and reaching agreements which allow for reforms and development in the workplace, both public and private, the State should encourage and support union membership by reinstating the previous relief.

 

Proposer: NCHD Committee

Carried as amended

Amendment

The IMO calls on the Minister for Finance to reinstate the previous arrangements which allowed for union members to claim full tax relief on trade union fees. Given the key role that unions play in protecting workers, advocating for improvements in working conditions and reaching agreements which allow for reforms and development in the workplace, both public and private, the State should encourage and support union membership by reinstating the previous relief.