An Taoiseach meets with Galway Hospice Representatives

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, recently met with representatives of Galway Hospice following their meeting with the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly earlier that day.   The meetings were held to discuss the serious financial challenges facing Galway Hospice, and the need to put additional services and facilities in place to meet the ever-increasing demand for hospice services.   Proposals are being considered and further discussions will take place over the coming weeks.  The meetings were positive and constructive towards achieving a resolution of the issues.

An Taoiseach came to Galway Hospice last November to visit Hospice Board Member John Cunningham, who was an inpatient of the hospice at the time.  During that visit, Mr Cunningham raised with An Taoiseach the perilous funding situation of Galway Hospice, and the urgency of resolving historic funding deficits so that the service could develop to meet the ever-increasing demands.  When Mr Cunningham died in February 2012, An Taoiseach gave a public commitment that he would honour the dying wishes of his friend.

Photographed after the meeting in Leinster House are (l-r): Sean O’Healy, Chief Executive of Galway Hospice; Dr Ita Harnett, Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Galway Hospice; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD; Joe Connolly, Patron and Board Member of Galway Hospice; and Galway West TD Brian Walsh, who arranged the meeting.