Minister for Health (Ireland) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Minister for Health
Incumbent Stephen Donnelly since 27 June 2020
Department of Health
Member of	Government of Ireland Council of the European Union Dáil Éireann
Reports to	Taoiseach
Seat	Dublin, Ireland
Appointer	President of Ireland on the nomination of the Taoiseach
Inaugural holder	James Ryan
Formation	22 January 1947

The Minister for Health (Irish: An tAire Sláinte) is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of Health. The Minister for Health is responsible for healthcare in Ireland and related services.

The current Minister for Health is Stephen Donnelly, TD. He is assisted by:

• Mary Butler, TD – Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People; and
• Colm Burke, TD – Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy.

History

Health care formed part of the portfolio of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health until 22 January 1947. On that date, the new position of Minister for Health was created, with control of policy regarding health care provision in Ireland. In the past, it was common for the minister to also hold the position of Minister for Social Welfare.

In recent years, and especially since the tenure of Michael Noonan in 1994–1997, being appointed as minister has become somewhat of a "poisoned chalice" in government circles and a portfolio to be avoided by aspiring politicians, during his tenure Brian Cowen referred to the Department of Health as Angola because there were landmines everywhere. A number of scandals, mostly due to medical negligence, have meant that the minister immediately becomes identified with the scandal. For instance, the Hepatitis C scandal, the withholding of baby organs without parental consent or knowledge, the Michael Neary saga in Drogheda and other high-profile medical scandals have dogged the minister and department. Additionally the minister has to deal with logistic issues not seen in other departments such as strikes, shortages and queues which are all too familiar in clinics and hospitals around the country.

Overview

The Minister's duties include the creation and assessment of policy for health services. The main policy sections of the department, together with their responsibilities, are:

Continuing Care

• Services for homeless adults
• Services for people with disabilities
• Services for the elderly and palliative care

Finance

• Health insurance
• Hospital planning
• Public-Private Partnerships

Personnel Management and Development

• Nursing policy
• Personnel management and development

Primary Care

• Community health (child health, dental services, AIDS, reproductive health)
• General medical services

Secondary Care

• Blood policy
• Hospital services

Strategic Policy and Corporate Services

• Corporate Services
• Health promotion
• Health Strategy Legislation

List of office-holders

     Denotes acting Minister