Irish America

August September 2013 Issue

When It Comes to Health, Kathleen Cares

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
August / September 2013

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Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius (née Gilligan) on the future of American health care, her father’s influence, her Irish heritage, and other topics. "I’m a descendant of Irish immigrants. My great-grandmother worked as a maid in the home of William Howard Taft, before he became president. Decades later, the grandson of the president and my father, the … [Read more...] about When It Comes to Health, Kathleen Cares

The First Word: Sláinte! Good Health

By Patricia Harty, Editor-in-Chief
August / September 2013

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“What’s exciting is that millions of families . . .will have access, some for the first time, to quality, affordable options in just a few months.”       – Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius As the national debate on Obamacare takes center stage we thought it an opportune time to interview Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius, née Gilligan, and to focus on health issues … [Read more...] about The First Word: Sláinte! Good Health

Irish Woman With MS Loses Assisted Suicide Case

August / September 2013

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Marie Fleming, a 59-year-old woman from Co. Wicklow in the late stages of Multiple Sclerosis, lost her case against the Irish Supreme Court to overturn Ireland’s laws on assisted suicide. The court announced in early May that it had unanimously rejected her constitutional challenge against the ban. Fleming, a former university lecturer and mother of two, has made public her … [Read more...] about Irish Woman With MS Loses Assisted Suicide Case

Cigarette Packs in Ireland May Get a New Look

By Matt Skwiat, Editorial Assistant
August / September 2013

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Ireland is leading the way in the fight against smoking. This past May, the Irish Ministry of Health proposed legislation that would ban the use of cigarette pack branding. No more Marlboros or Camels on display. This would make Ireland the first country in the E.U. to pass such a ban, and the second country overall; Australia passed similar legislation in 2012. In recent … [Read more...] about Cigarette Packs in Ireland May Get a New Look

Funding Approved for First Cross-Border Bridge

By Adam Farley, Editorial Assistant
August / September 2013

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The newest bridge in Ireland is as important for its symbolism as for its ability to carry cars, and both have Irish on each side of the border excited. When completed, the Narrow Water Bridge will be the first ever cross-border bridge connecting the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Funding for the bridge was officially granted by the UK’s Finance Minister in May. The … [Read more...] about Funding Approved for First Cross-Border Bridge