Policy Forum for Ireland

This conference focused on next steps for the delivery of Sláintecare reform, including the implementation of new health regions and a shift to more community-based care.

It was an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to discuss:

• the Department of Health’s Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 - the third and final instalment of the first multi-year Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan 2021-2023
• the new multi-annual strategy currently being formulated, which will carry through to 2027

Delegates examined progress so far in delivering reform, in the context of the overall aim of achieving universal healthcare in Ireland.

They also assessed implementation of new health regions, which look to deliver care closer to home and support the rollout of integrated care, with discussion on addressing barriers to delivering care in the community. It follows approval of HSE’s Health Regions Implementation Plan with the commencement of the new regions due in February 2024.

Further sessions examined the way forward for addressing waiting lists in elective care, looking at key workforce challenges such as the recruitment and retention of staff, and the implementation of the new disputed Public Only Consultant Contract.

The conference was also a timely opportunity to discuss the eHealth programme and options for further implementation of electronic health records, which have been delayed until after completion of the new children’s hospital.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Muiris O’Connor, Assistant Secretary, Research & Development and Health Analytics Division, Department of Health; Dr John Cuddihy, National Director of Public Health, Health Service Executive; Rachel Mullen, General Manager, Informatics Directorate, St James’s Hospital; and Sinead Kelly, Pharmacy Informatics Lead, St James’s Hospital.

Overall, sessions in the agenda will looked at:

• policy: assessing progress in key deliverables laid out in the Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 - developing the second multi-annual implementation strategy and looking at reform beyond 2023
• new health regions: integrating care and strengthening local decision-making - improving governance and accountability within care delivery
• shifting care left:
  
  • next steps for care in the community and support for transition to universal care - extending universal GP services
  • funding - place-based approaches to addressing health inequalities
• eHealth programme:
  
  • assessing the pathway to delivery of an effective patient records system
  • enhancing innovation within the life sciences and public hospitals - bringing new health tech solutions to market
• education and training: options for streamlining the length and complexity of medical education and training - reducing over-specialisation and reliance on foreign-educated doctors
• workforce: strategies for improving staff recruitment and retention for public-only hospitals - addressing workload and burnout issues - implementing a consultant-delivered health service

The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from CBI; DCEDIY; DoH; DoH, NI; DoH, ROI; HPRA, UK; HSE; and HSE, UK - as well as members of both Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference discussed next steps for online safety and media regulation in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to examine key issues and concerns, and the way forward for implementation of the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which amends the Broadcasting Act 2009 and provides a major overhaul of media and content regulation in Ireland.

Stakeholders and policymakers considered key priorities for platforms in tackling and removing harmful content, including the role of platforms in policing content, the impact of legislation, implications for the tech industry, and options for safeguarding children online.

Attendees also discussed priorities for Coimisiún na Meán, the new media Commission currently tasked with regulating online and broadcast media in Ireland, the shape and scope of binding new safety codes, the extent of their powers, and priorities for enforcement.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Niamh Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán; Una Fitzpatrick, Director, Technology Ireland; Ronan Lupton, Senior Counsel, Bar of Ireland; and Chair, ALTO; John Church, Chief Executive Officer, ISPCC; Anna Herold, Head of Unit, Audiovisual and Media Policy, European Commission; Carlos Aguilar Paredes, Vice Chair, ERGA; and Kerryann Walsh, Professor, School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice, Queensland University of Technology.

Further sessions looked at areas of best practice in online safety and media regulation, as well as priorities for transposing the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) into Irish law.

Delegates assessed development of an individual complaints mechanism for reporting online harms and the issues around this, including who will be responsible for the mechanism, how the complaints process will function, and appropriate sanctions for non-compliance.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included discussion on:

• legislation: assessing impact - enhancing accountability - priorities for providing safe online spaces - protecting consumer rights
• Coimisiún na Meán: developing a new regulatory framework - online safety codes - engaging stakeholders in regulatory development 
• stakeholder perspectives: understanding new obligations - controlling and monitoring content - engaging consumers in online safety
• safeguarding children online:
  
  • protection from harmful and inappropriate content - options for age restrictions
  • addressing cyber-bullying and offensive content - engaging parents and guardians in online safety 
• learning from best practice: reviewing international approaches to online safety - understanding what works - opportunities for knowledge sharing
• priorities for the tech industry: clarity on transposition of the AVMSD - accounting for implications of the new framework - options for flexibility and further development of legislation and regulation

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Coimisiún na Meán; DCEDIY; DCMS, UK; Department for Communities, NI; DfE, UK; DSIT, UK; HMRC, UK; Home Office, UK; ICO, UK; Ofcom, UK; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference discussed priorities for climate policy and action in Ireland.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss next steps for taking forward Ireland’s third Climate Action Plan (CAP), published shortly after COP27, which provides for a system change in Ireland’s approach to climate policy.

Areas for discussion included the development of renewable energy, including offshore wind farms and expansion of the solar sector, as well as the retrofitting of homes and businesses.

Delegates examined the targets outlined in the CAP, which are underpinned by legislation outlined in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, with legally-binding sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budgets, the first being to 2025.

Key stakeholders came together to assess what support is needed for key sectors to stay within the emissions ceilings, looking at funding priorities, R&D and key infrastructure development, as well as what is needed to stay within the maximum emissions outlined in the carbon budget, as Ireland is currently not on course to meet targets.

It was also an opportunity for delegates to discuss wider EU policy, such as Just Transition and the European Green Deal, and the implications for Irish business and industry, including enabling knowledge sharing in the meeting of shared goals, specifically Ireland’s roadmap to halving emissions by 2030, and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Further sessions assessed the way forward for nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, looking at developing and investing in technological and innovative solutions, as well as key priorities for mitigating and addressing biodiversity loss in light of the Citizens' Assembly report, which emphasised the need for urgent government action on biodiversity restoration.

We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Marie Donnelly, Chair, Climate Change Advisory Council.

Overall, sessions in the agenda discussed:

• meeting key targets: maintaining the carbon budget - supporting business and industry in adopting more sustainable approaches - improving climate education and advocacy
• facilitating a Just Transition: diversifying local economies - delivering an inclusive approach to climate action - options for circular economy development - adopting more sustainable economic approaches
• engaging citizens: engaging the public in climate action and advocacy - raising awareness of the potential benefits and necessities of climate action - developing a joined-up approach to meeting targets
• key sectors: support across sectors in working within emissions ceilings - building sustainable practice - opportunities for decarbonising transport - priorities for scaling up renewable energy infrastructure
• wider EU policy: implementing targets laid out in the European Green Deal - priorities for a Just Transition - implementing a worker-friendly shift to a low carbon economy
• policy priorities: taking forward the CAP - developing effective governance of climate action to meet targets - assessing the pathway to halving emissions by 2030

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; DAFM; DECC; Department for Communities, NI; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; DETE; FCDO, UK; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This conference focused on next steps for skills and apprenticeship provision in Ireland.

It was timed to follow the publication of the OECD’s Skills Strategy Ireland: Assessment and Recommendations, and we are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with the project leader, Bart Staats, Policy Analyst, OECD.

The report highlighted that Ireland lags behind EU leaders in lifelong learning participation, and also raised concerns over labour and skills gaps.

Key stakeholders and policymakers assessed key priorities for taking forward the DFHERIS National Skills Strategy 2025 - Ireland’s Future, in light of the OECD’s recommendations.

They discussed the way forward for skills development and apprenticeships, and how key challenges for delivery can be addressed in areas including:

• tackling skills shortages and diversifying skills supply
• increasing the appeal and uptake of apprenticeships and lifelong learning, and improving inclusivity
• effectively utilising skills to strengthen business performance
• developing effective governance of skills systems in Ireland

Delegates examined next steps for apprenticeship provision in Ireland in light of the DFHERIS’s Action Plan for Apprenticeships, looking at the way forward for increasing their appeal and uptake, both for employers and employees, and improving accessibility to apprenticeships at all ages.

Further sessions assessed the work of the National Skills Council’s Regional Skills Fora, and how businesses, employers, education providers and wider stakeholders can further engage with strategies to better address skills imbalances and shortages, reflect Ireland’s current labour market, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Sessions in the agenda included:

• OECD recommendations: taking forward the findings of the OECD skills project for Ireland - translating findings into policy development and implementation
• priorities for key sectors: key areas for future skills growth in Ireland - priorities for the digital sector, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries
• Regional Skills Fora: how stakeholder voices can best be used to inform future policy direction
• a joined-up skills ecosystem: links between FE, HE, and business - employer engagement in skills development - addressing skills shortages - inclusivity in skills development
• a culture of ongoing skills development: upskilling and re-skilling - the appeal and funding of apprenticeships - involving stakeholders in a lifelong approach that extends beyond the workplace
• policy: developing the governance of skills systems - looking ahead to skills strategy beyond 2025                              

The conference was an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education, NI; DFHERIS; Department of Health, NI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; Department of Social Protection; Department for Transport; and HSE.

This conference assessed the priorities for mental health provision in Ireland - and next steps for the Government’s national mental health policy strategy, Sharing the Vision.

It took place following the Mental Health Commission’s interim report on its Independent Review of the Provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which highlighted what the Commission described as a serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of children accessing CAMHS. The full report is expected soon.

The conference was a timely opportunity to consider the way forward for CAMHS services, assessing options for improving service provision, key priorities for the CAMHS workforce, and addressing waiting times for access to services following last year’s missed waiting list targets.

With the subsequent publication of the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, which includes over €7m in funding for mental health support, further sessions discussed priorities for adult services with a focus on funding, improving quality, and options for developing more community-based, holistic services.

Delegates examined how Ireland can grow its research portfolio in mental health following the publication of the country’s first National Population Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research and Evaluation Strategy, which aims to align research with Sharing the Vision, and develop service provision and access to early intervention.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Mary Butler TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People; Dr Susan Finnerty, Inspector of Mental Health Services, Mental Health Commission; and Dr Camille Boostrom, Programme Manager, Mental Health, Health Research Board.

Overall, sessions in the agenda looked at:

• mental health policy in Ireland: next steps for government strategy - planning for implementation beyond 2024
• priorities for the provision of CAMHS:
  
  • taking forward findings of the Mental Health Commission’s interim report and addressing concerns
  • integrating with future policy developments to improve standards of care and develop service provision
  • addressing waiting lists and ensuring effective guidelines for follow-up appointments
• the CAMHS workforce: recruitment and retention priorities - support for physical and mental wellbeing of staff - putting effective workplace support and guidance in place to improve services
• adult mental health services:
  
  • funding priorities
  • developing the Quality Framework, in conjunction with research and evaluation to enhance service provision
  • improving the use of and access to community mental health resources to deliver care outside hospitals and improve early intervention

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DCEDIY; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Education; Department of Health, NI; Department of Social Protection; HSE; and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference assessed priorities and next steps for addressing the impact of long COVID in Ireland.

Areas for discussion included developing and implementing research into the condition, the state of specialised services in Ireland, and progress on the Model of Care, which recommended the creation of eight post-acute and six long COVID clinics.

It was a timely opportunity to discuss Ireland’s strategy for tackling long COVID following analysis from Denis Naughten TD - who was part-chairing this conference - which suggests that almost 340,000 people in Ireland could have been affected. It also followed a motion forwarded by a regional group of TDs calling for swifter action to support those with long COVID, which secured unanimous Dáil Éireann support.

With the HSE implementing the Model of Care and developing an epidemiological survey to gauge long COVID numbers in Ireland, delegates assessed progress so far, priorities for recruitment and the workforce, and next steps for research and data.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Dr Siobhán Ní Bhriain, Consultant Psychiatrist & National Clinical Director, Integrated Care, HSE; Professor John Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Mater and Rotunda Hospitals; and Full Clinical Professor, UCD School of Medicine; Professor Corinna Sadlier, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Cork University Hospital Ireland; and Clinical Professor (Honorary), University College Cork; and Professor Daniel Altmann, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London.

Overall, sessions in the agenda looked at:

• the interim model of care: priorities for creating a centralised care hub
• long COVID clinics: next steps for implementation - providing effective staffing and funding - tackling backlogs in access to long COVID clinics - relieving pressures on GP waiting lists
• patients: providing the support needed - identifying those most at risk - options for workplace support - helping those out of work to return quickly
• research: informing future strategies with data from current long and post-acute COVID clinics - implementing effective surveillance to understand, scale and respond to the issues
• policy coordination: integrating responses with Sláintecare reforms and waiting list strategies

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department of Health; MHRA; and the Houses of the Oireachtas.

This conference looked at next steps for energy security and growth of renewable energy in Ireland.

It took place as the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications prepares to publish recommendations from its Review of the security of energy supply of the country’s electricity and natural gas systems.

Delegates discussed priorities and the strategic pathway for sector decarbonisation, scaling up renewables, and making full use of Ireland’s renewable energy potential, alongside providing energy security.

Attendees also assessed potential options for grid connection with other nations, including the North-South Interconnector project between Ireland and NI - with construction scheduled to commence this year - and the Celtic Interconnector project with France, along with the benefits these might entail.

Further sessions examined energy policy and security in Ireland in the context of wider European energy developments, such as the Green Deal and Repower EU plan, assessing Ireland’s role in these initiatives and how they affect Ireland’s energy markets.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Noel Regan, Principal Officer for Wholesale Gas Policy, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications;  Dr Muireann Lynch, Senior Research Officer, Economic and Social Research Institute; Owen Collins, Senior Associate (Energy and Infrastructure), Matheson LLP; and Oisín Joyce, Policy Officer, Irish Solar Energy Association.

Overall, sessions in the agenda included discussion on:

• energy security review: policy priorities for energy supply - how the review’s recommendations can be taken forward - options for further grid development
• implementation: improving domestic energy capabilities - priorities for large energy users - reducing energy costs and impact on consumers - developing robust energy and natural gas networks
• scaling up renewable energy capabilities: the pathway for the green transition - maintaining progress on sectoral decarbonisation targets - attracting inward investment
• North-South Interconnector:
  
  • progress and next steps as the project moves into the construction stage - the way forward for increased grid integration
  • implications for security of supply and reduced energy costs
• decarbonisation: scaling up renewable energy capabilities - next steps for the green transition - maintaining progress on sectoral decarbonisation targets - attracting inward investment
• regulatory priorities:
  
  • mitigating impacts on cost for consumers - meeting public needs
  • future-proofing the sector - improving energy resilience - maintaining competitiveness in Ireland’s energy market
• the impact of wider European policy:
  
  • assessing the impact of the Green Deal
  • considering Europe and Ireland’s transition to clean energy sources
  • promoting collaboration across the continent - assessing best practice - Ireland’s role in reshaping Europe’s energy system
  • developing a fully integrated, interconnected and digitalised EU energy market - how the Celtic and North-South interconnector projects can facilitate this

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; DAFM; Department of Education; DETE; DECC; DHLGH; Department for Infrastructure, NI; NIAO; NIEA; and the NIHE.

This conference examined next steps for the Irish land-transport sector, looking at investment, decarbonisation and public transport.

It was a timely opportunity to assess the National Investment Framework for Transport, which is part of Project Ireland 2040 - the Irish Government’s long-term, overarching development strategy, in light of recent developments including the Government’s updated Climate Action Plan.

Key stakeholders and policymakers considered plans to shift investment priorities towards transport decarbonisation, and away from new roads and private car use.

In light of the announcement of €290m funding for active travel schemes across the country, delegates discussed issues around land reform and spatial planning to support development of public transport, active travel and sustainable transport infrastructure.

They also assessed how this can be achieved in more spread-out, rural areas, and strategic options for investment to support more balanced regional development.

It took place in the wake of an OECD report recommending a major redesign of the Irish transport sector in order to make it compatible with sector emissions targets. Concerns raised in the report include an over-reliance on private cars, and the need for a redesign of the road system to facilitate increased active travel and use of public transport.

Further sessions discussed options for developing the provision of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and wind, and supporting the development and scale up of renewable energy sources and sustainable aviation fuels.

We are pleased to have been able to include keynote contributions from Andrew Ebrill, Principal Officer, Public Transport Investment and Policy, Department of Transport; Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Authority; John Burke, SVP, The Nest, SMBC Aviation Capital; and Caoimhe Donnelly, Chief Sustainability Officer, Córas Iompair Éireann.

Overall, areas for discussion included:

• sector decarbonisation - meeting climate targets
• developing alternative fuels such as hydrogen and wind - assessing schemes for scaling up renewable energy sources
• considering Ireland’s role in the development of sustainable aviation fuels - decarbonising the aviation sector
• investing in sustainable, intra-urban transport links - next steps for the MetroLink project in Dublin
• facilitating a shift away from over-dependence on private transport
• next steps for ZEV infrastructure
• priorities for urban and rural connectivity
• maintenance of Ireland’s public transport fleet - investment in climate-friendly assets

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Department of Transport; Department of Education; DHLGH; DAERA, NI; Defra; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department of Finance, NI; The Executive Office, NI; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government, as well as by parliamentary pass-holders from Seanad Eireann.

This conference assessed the next steps for implementing the Government’s Sláintecare health reform programme.

It was an opportunity to discuss the policy priorities moving forward, the roadmap to universal healthcare, and the next steps for implementing a regional care structure as the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy and Action Plan for 2021 to 2023 continues its rollout.

Delegates assessed progress and priorities, with a focus on the two main programmes:

• improving safe, timely access to care and promoting health and wellbeing
• addressing health inequalities

They also examined next steps for addressing the high waiting lists following the publication of the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan.

Areas for discussion included:

• assessing waiting list progress and identifying priorities: funding priorities and sectors most at need - new health initiatives to address commute times and outpatient backlogs
• eHealth Programme: e-appointments for low-risk health issues and primary care appointments - promoting new technology initiatives and developing trust in eHealth
• Regional Health Areas: alignment with community and hospital healthcare services - funding - promoting tailored local community care
• scrutiny and accountability: options for external oversight, target setting, and feedback
• universal care: developing a timely and orderly shift to the new system and ways of working - developing a healthcare system based on need
• health inequalities: identification - funding priorities - action strategies
• care in community: sharing and learning from examples of best practice - encouraging stakeholder cooperation - promoting healthy living and pre-treatment support

We were pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Dean Sullivan, Chief Strategy Officer, HSE; Muiris O’Connor, Assistant Secretary, Research and Development and Health Analytics Division, Department of Health; Stephen McMahon, Founder and Chairman, Irish Patients Association; Paul Cullen, Health Editor, The Irish Times; Professor Timothy Lynch, Vice Principal, Health Affairs, University College Dublin; and Chief Academic Officer, Ireland East Hospital Group; and Dr Ann Shortt, A&E Consultant; Founder & Medical Director, Full Health Medical; and Fellow, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, London.

The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside parliamentary pass-holders from the Houses of the Oireachtas, as well as officials from the Department of Health; and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, ROI; and the Department of Social Protection.