The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI)has been successful in its application to join the Register of Nominating Bodies for Seanad Éireann.
RCPI has joined the Cultural and Educational Panel and says it will use its new remit to advocate for the health of the nation.
RCPI President, Prof Mary Horgan, welcomed the college’s acceptance to the Cultural and Educational Panel. “The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has a long tradition of advocating for the health of the nation. RCPI is, through its Faculties and Institute, Ireland’s largest postgraduate medical training body with more than 11,000 trainees, members, fellows and licentiates providing specialist patient care, mostly in hospitals across Ireland and around the world.
“RCPI is a passionate advocate for public health issues such as vaccines, obesity and alcohol. Retaining doctors to work in the Irish health service is also a top priority as well as supporting the professional development and education of specialist doctors who continue to lead and deliver high quality patient care to men, women and children. Any candidates seeking support in a future election to Seanad Éireann must be aligned with our public health priorities” Prof Horgan said.
Siobhán Creaton, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy at RCPI said joining the Register of Nominating Bodies will help to strengthen these activities. “The recent and prolonged delays that occurred with the passage of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in the Seanad highlighted the dominance of commercial interests and the relatively modest voice of medical colleges and public health advocates. By adopting a direct role in the electoral process, the RCPI hopes to play a more participative role in shaping future debates and as it continues to work with Oireachtas members in the Seanad, and the Dáil, to champion public health initiatives and policies.”
Before each General Election five panels are formed of candidates having knowledge and practical experience of the following interests and services respectively:
- Cultural and Educational Panel: national language and culture, literature, art, education, law and medicine.
- Agricultural Panel: agricultural and allied interests and fisheries.
- Labour Panel: labour, whether organised or unorganised.
- Industrial and Commercial Panel: industry and commerce, including banking, finance, accountancy, engineering and architecture.
- Administrative Panel: public administration and social services, including voluntary social activities.
