“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
2013
Irish Woman With MS Loses Assisted Suicide Case
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
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
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
Irish Methodist Church Elects Its First Female Leader
Reverend Dr. Heather Morris was installed as the new president of the Methodist Church in Ireland this June, becoming the first female to hold not only that post, but the first female head of any of Ireland’s four main churches. Dr. Morris was elected to the position last summer, and the confirmation took place at the church’s national conference in Carrickfergus on June 12th. … [Read more...] about Irish Methodist Church Elects Its First Female Leader