Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak to the amendment, which recognises the achievements of the Irish Presidency. There have been many brokered agreements on a wide range of issues, but I will focus on health.

The major success recently was the eHealth Week programme. It was focused on innovative and sustainable health systems for the future. Ireland also hosted the EU-US eHealth Marketplace conference to promote the European e-health agenda. The matchmaking event was designed to encourage collaboration between European and US companies, health providers and other stakeholders involved in the European Connected Health Alliance. It was during this conference that the EU health Ministers agreed a declaration on e-health presented by the Irish Presidency. The declaration is aimed at prioritising the use of ICT in health among member states and to contribute to better, safer, sustainable and innovative health care systems for all European citizens.

An e-health action plan was launched. The development of an e-health ecosystem will result not only in better health outcomes for our citizens but will also bring economic benefits through the development of new technologies and, more importantly, increased employment opportunities. The agreement of this declaration demonstrates our collective commitment to making e-health systems a reality as we continue a process of reform of our health system and the systems across Europe. The objective of an e-health system is to promote private and public sector innovation on a co-operative basis, ensuring a vibrant economy for the deployment of e-health applications.

As part of the declaration we agreed to strengthen co-ordination of all policies relating to e-health; to promoting a system that has dialogue aimed at mutual learning and a sharing of good experiences between industry, academia, patients, citizens and the health services of Europe; to accelerate the implementation of existing and proven devices and processes; to create an innovative market; and to ensure that citizens receive optimum outcomes in a shorter timeframe by delivering on existing priorities.

To conclude, Ireland has used its Presidency to help create dialogue and communication between EU citizens and the EU and its leaders. In doing so, our Presidency has made significant and lasting strides in the drive to help build a healthier Europe.

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