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Constituency
Of the
University of Dublin
Election to
Seanad Eireann 1997
Election Address Of
Mary Henry M.A., M.D.
Adelaide and Rotunda Hospitals, Dublin
To the Electors of Dublin University
It has been an honour to represent you in Seanad Eireann for the past four and a half years. There have been two Governments in power during that time and both brought forward much legislation. From my yearly newsletter you will have read of my involvement in many debates. Also, I initiated Adjournment debates on a wide variety of topics from the need to promote Irish made goods to the problem of Ecstasy consumption in night clubs. During Private Member's time I organised debates on the Prison and Probation Services. My Private Member's Bill on Child Sex Tourism was incorporated into a Government Bill aimed at stopping this vile practice. Amendments to Bills such as the Universities Bill, the Power of Attorney Bill and the Refugee Bill put forward or supported by me were frequently accepted. All in all with hard work I feel much can be achieved in the Senate.
The newly elected Dail does not give a clear majority to any political grouping. It is deeply regrettable that the number of women elected to this Dail is so small. Ireland has long been a patriarchal society and as one who has worked for the better representation of women at all levels of decision making it can only hoped that there is an increased number of women elected to the Seanad. To quote from the All Party Oireachtas Committee Report on Seanad Eireann "the knowledge, experience and sensibility of women are largely absent from the process through which the state seeks to express the values of its people"
Ireland needs to become a more tolerant, pluralist state where all citizens are represented and valued equally. Liberal views in this country have, in the past, frequently relied on the University Senators for their expression. Although a long time supporter of the Labour party I followed the tradition of most University Senators and remained independent in the Seanad and, if re-elected, I will continue to do so. Voices will be needed in the Seanad to bring forward views which are sometimes controversial and I would like to continue to be one of them.
Education and Employment
The Universities Bill brought forward by the last Government was initially totally unacceptable and I opposed it. After extensive amendment in the Dail and Seanad a Bill acceptable to the Board of Trinity and promoting the aim of the Dublin Institute of Technology to become a university was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. All the University Senators contributed greatly to insisting that the Bill preserved the autonomy of the Universities. Trinity, in particular, as a private independent institution had to be defended but academic freedom is precious to those in all Irish universities. All monies have and always must be accounted for, whether derived from the State or elsewhere but control over private finance had to be maintained.
A Private Bill is to be brought forward by Trinity in the next session to ensure that any changes required by the Public Bill do not damage the Charter or Statutes. I would like to be able to ensure its safe passage through the Seanad.
Reinforcement of the improvements made at Primary and Secondary level is needed to ensure that as many of our young people as possible are in a position to avail of Third level education.
However, for the maximum potential of those graduating from our Third level institutions to be achieved, better co-ordination between the Departments of Education and Enterprise and Employment, and the Industrial Development Authority is needed.
Retraining and conversion courses for graduates must be made available in a world where technology changes rapidly.
My support for the Irish Research Scientists' Association will continue. Demands for better funding for basic and applied research must be, met if we are to continue to play a role internationally.
As a member of the National Economic and Social Forum my awareness of the impact women have made in initiating small businesses in particular has convinced me that their enterprise is an important factor in increasing employment. But there are many other areas where I will continue to point out that the value of the work of women is unrecognised.
A proper policy on pensions must be initiated now by the Government. Work patterns have changed in Ireland as has happened internationally, and "Contract Work" is common. I have spoken on this subject and will continue to do so.
The Irish Research Scientists Association is supporting my campaign for re-election
Health
As a doctor I regret that a much needed and promised Mental Health Bill has not materialised. There is a lack of commitment to the psychiatric services which must be addressed, including the deplorable lack of adequate psychiatric care in our prisons.
The development of respite care for those who care for the mentally or physically handicapped and the elderly would be one of my priorities.
Co-operation in Health policies and research on an all island basis should be promoted. The relevant professional bodies are ready to co-operate.
Despite world class expertise in the field of Assisted Reproduction (In Vitro Fertilisation (I.V.F.)) in Ireland there is no regulatory legislation. We are one of the few western countries where this pertains and I have repeatedly said that it is needed. If elected I would introduce a Private Member's Bill aimed at regulating I.V.F.
Social and Legal Issues
The scourge of drug related crime is at last being addressed. However little recognition is taken of the fact that most heroin addicts become involved in drugs before the age of 14 and there are no facilities for their treatment. Seventeen year olds frequently end up in prison having been involved in crime for years. Earlier intervention is essential. The expansion and promotion of the Probation and Welfare Service would lead to the more effective imposition of sanctions other than imprisonment of offenders. Research on the prison population has shown that most are young, ill educated members of large families from areas of social and economic deprivation. Work with these families should be initiated before children become involved in crime, not after.
Both inside and outside the Seanad I have insisted that the scandal of domestic violence must be addressed. Most violence against women is perpetrated in the home. Recent legislation has helped but support structures are minimal.
I will press harder for separate legal representation for rape victims in court cases. At present they appear as prosecution witnesses only.
Environmental Issues
Seriously deteriorating water quality in our rivers and lakes is reported by the Environmental Protection Agency. I have spoken on the need to implement the Agency's recommendations and will continue to make it one of my priorities.
Environmental Health Officers who supervise food hygiene regulations in Ireland have been in dispute with the Department of Health for 16 months. There is a lack of a sense of urgency in dealing with such basic problems.
A real commitment to waste management, particularly to the reduction of packaging and its re-use is essential. Describing our rapidly expanding dumps as "land fills" is an abuse of the words.
This election address is printed on recycled paper and no envelope is being used to avoid increasing waste. I have had some success in promoting the use of re-cycled paper in the Oireachtas but little yet on the re-use of expensive brown envelopes. We should practice what we preach.
The Green Party is supporting my campaign for re-election.
Northern Ireland
Chairing the Southern Branch of the Irish Association, founded sixty years ago to promote cross border co-operation, has made me more conscious than ever of the need to foster contacts between the people of the two jurisdictions. Co-operation not confrontation must be recognised as the way to lasting peace. Compromises will have to be made by all sides and the sooner this is realised by those in Northern Ireland and assisted by us in the Republic the better.
Controversial issues will need to be confronted courageously in the next Seanad.
Trinity Senators have done so in the past and I will continue to uphold this tradition.
I ask for your No.1 vote, or
if not that, your highest
possible preference please.
If you would like to contact me please write to:
12, Burlington Road, Dublin 4.
I would be happy to send you details of the results of the election.
Ballot papers will be sent out on 4th July, 1997 and must be returned before 6th August, 1997
Voting papers received after 11 a.m. on the 6th August, l997 will not be included in the count so
please return your Ballot papers as soon as possible.
Curriculum Vitae
Born 11 May, l940 in Blackrock, Cork. Daughter of Elizabeth Henry and the late Robert Henry. Married 1966, John McEntagart of Dublin, Merchant. Three children: Meriel, medical practitioner, John, environmental engineer and Ralph, postgraduate M.Sc. student
Schools Attended
St. Michael's National School, Blackrock, Cork, Rochelle
School, Cork and Alexandra College, Dublin.
At Trinity College
First Non-Foundation Scholar in Medicine l962.
B.A. in English and History of Medicine l963.
Dublin University. M.B. ( Honours) (l965), M.A. (l966) M.D. (l968).
Undergraduate distinctions at Dublin University include:
Arthur Ball Prize in Surgery,
Sir James Craig Memorial Prize in Medicine,
Daniel John Cunningham Memorial Medal and Prize in
Anatomy,
De Renzy Centenary Prize in Social and Preventive Medicine,
Andrew Francis Dixon Prize in Anatomy,
John Mallet Purser Medal in Physiology, Biochemistry and
Histology,
Dr. Henry Hutchinson Stewart Scholarship.
Aquilla Smith Prize in Pathology and Microbiology,
Walter G. Smyth Prize in Pharmacology,
Connolly Norman Medal in Mental Diseases,
National Children's Hospital Prize in Paediatrics
St. Anne's Hospital Prize in Dermatology,
Haughton Prize, Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital,
Reuben Harvey Prize in Final Medical Examination,
Fitzpatrick Scholarship Final Medical Examination.
Occupation and Present Appointments
Member of Seanad Eireann (Dublin University Panel)
Consultant, Varicose Vein and Thromboembolic Clinics,
Rotunda Hospital and Adelaide Hospital, Dublin.
Editor, Trinity Alumni Medical News.
Member, Ethics Committee of the Irish Hospitals Consultants Association.
President elect , The Irish Association.
Trustee, Trinity College Dublin Association and Trust.
Member, Royal Irish Academy of Medicine.
Member, Council of Alexandra College, Dublin.
Member, European Parliamentary Network on HIV/AIDS.
Member, National Economic and Social Forum.
Governor, Adelaide Hospital, Dublin.
Patron, Irish Raynaud's and Scleroderma Society.
Member, Comhairle na nOspideal.
President, Cherish.
Patron, Irish Penal Reform Trust.
Member, European Committee of the International Medical Parliamentarians Organisation.
Previous Appointments Include
Alternate Delegate, Forum for Peace and Reconciliation
Chairperson, Fund-raising Committee of the Rape Crisis Centre
Member, Board of the WellWomen Centre
Member, Irish Congress of Trade Unions Advisory Committee on Women's Health.
Member, Executive of the Irish Red Cross. Chairperson of Overseas committee.
President, Dublin Biological Society, Trinity College Dublin l986/87.
Founder Member, Women's Political Association
Member, Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board.
Member, Government Comm. to establish Sexual Assault Unit
Nominators
Professor Peter Barry Bronte Gatenby B.A., M.D., F.R.C.P.I., F.R,C.P., F.A.C.P. (h.c), F.R.C.P.Ed.(h.c.), Hon.F.T.C.D.
Professor David John McConnell B.A., Ph.D. (Cal.Tech),F.T.C.D., M.R.I.A., Prof.of Genetics.
ASSENTORS
The Right Reverend John Robert Winder Neill B.A.,M.A., Lord Bishop elect of Cashel and Ossory
Catherine McGuinness M.A.,Ll.B., Judge of the High Court, Former Senator
Geraldine Watts M.A.,M.LITT. Past President Womens' Graduates
Peter White B.A.,Company Director
Yvonne Scannell M.A.,Ll.M.(cantab.), Ph.D., F.T.C.,D. Barrister-at-Law, Senior Lecturer in Law.
Neil Patrick Keatinge B.A.,M.Sc.,(Econ) (Lond),Ph.D.,F.T.C.D. Professor of Political Science.
Frances Ruane M.A., (N.U.I.) B.Phil. D.Phil (Oxon.), F.T.C.D Prof. of Economics.
Sean Rothery, B.Arch., (N.U.I) Ph.D., F.R.I.A.I., Retired Assist. Head Dept. Of Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology, Lecturer School of Engineering, T.C.D.
Election Agent
Hilary Pratt B.A., Joint Manag. Dir.,Avoca Hand Weavers
Supporters Include
Joe Keane B.Sc. Instructor in Medicine. Boston Univ. Med. School; Rachel Hussey LI.B.Solicitor; Ann Porter B.A., Coombe Hospital Board; Prof. Donald Weir M.A.,M.D.,F.R.C,.P.I.,F.R.C.P.St. James' Hospital; John Sharpe M.V.B.,M.A., Snr. Lect. Veterinary College; Mavis Arnold Dip.Soc.Sc.; Most Rev. Henry McAdoo Ph.D., D.D., F.T.C.D. (Hon).; Mary Pyle M.A., H.Dip.Ed.,Dip.Inst.Group Analysis (Lond); Molly Walmsley B.A., Women Graduates'Association; Hugh Leonard D.Lit.(Hon), DickSpringB.A.,Barrister at Law,T.D.; Kaye Marshall M.S.C.P., M.I.S.C.P., Rotunda Hosp.; John Stinson M.B., M.A., M.R.C.P.I.; Siobhan Miley, Actress; Fred Moore F.R.C.S.I., F.R.C.S.Ed., Chair Cork Branch T.C.D. Assoc., Grainne O'Flynn M.Ed.; J.A.Walmsley M.B.E., M.A., I.C.S.(retd.) Rotunda Hospital Board; Adrian Bourke LI.B., M.A; Prof. Aine Hyland Ph.D., Dept. of Ed. UCC; Prof. David Spearman M.A., Ph.D.(Cantab), M.R.I.A., F.T.C.D. Vice Provost; Jack Kirwan Ll.B., M.A.; Paulyn Marrinan Quinn B.A., Barrister at Law, Insurance Ombudsman; G.P.Moss B.Comm.; JillCox Ll.B., M.A.Restaurateur, David Bird B.A., Agr.B.; Nora Sheehy-Skeffington, M.B.; Judith Woodworth B.A., Director National Concert Hall; Rebecca Johnston M.B., Donald Pratt Ll.B.; David Cox B.A., Company Director; Prof. Brian McMurry, M.A., Ph.D., S.F.T.C.D.; Vivienne Darling M.A., (J.O.); Paul O'Sullivan M.A.,Director, Faculty of Business Studies, Dublin Institute of Technology; Caroline Gill B.A., M.Sc., Grad. IPM.,Grad.MII; Basil Booth, BA.; Bernie Brennan,B.A.
May I thank all who helped me in this campaign