TEETHING ISSUES EXPECTED - FEIGHAN
NEW JUNIOR MINISTER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO CHALLENGES
NEWLY-APPOINTED Minister of State Frank Feighan has said drug and alcohol misuse in society is something he hopes to address as part of his new role as Minister for State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being, and National Drugs Strategy.
Speaking to The Sligo Champion yesterday [Monday] Deputy Feighan said he was delighted when he was given the news last Wednesday evening.
“I’m delighted but also very aware of the responsibilities in the Departement of Health and look forward to the challenges over the next number of years.”
After much controversy over ministerial omissions in the west the week previous by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, it was thought the North West would have to get the nod for a junior minister.
Asked about the rocky start to the Government’s first two weeks, Deputy Feighan described them as ‘ teething issues’.
“It’s a new Government with three separate parties with three different ethos and views, for anyone to expect that to go smoothly, it will always have a few teething problems. I think we can address them pretty quickly.”
Speaking about omissions for cabinet positions, the deputy said it was a matter for the Taoiseach.
“Dara Calleary is a good friend of mine and I’m delighted he’s at cabinet [Chief Whip FF], maybe he should have been given a role but that’s a matter for the Taoiseach.”
In relation to lack of representation on the west coast of senior ministers, Deputy Feighan said Enda Kenny was Taoiseach between 2011 and 2017, along with many ministers from the region.
“You had people then saying we were over represented. There’s a the balance that has to be reached, I’m absolutely delighted that the north west has a voice at ministerial level and I intend to be a strong and affective voice.”
In terms of his new role, Deputy Feighan said he will be looking to lead policy on illicit drugs and the funding of services for alcohol and drug misuse.
Deputy Feighan said there will be greater need for funding for these services and those addressing mental health issues especially following months of lockdown.
“We need to empower people to live healthy lives. A lot has been done over the smoking ban, physical activity, healthy eating,
“I would like to bring my own stamp on it and look at healthy cities and counties and a national healthy workplace framework.”
Addressing his ability to still deliver for the North West while now being a junior minister serving the population nationwide in his new role, Deputy Feighan said it is something he is very aware of.
“I’m conscious I’ve been elected by Sligo Leitrim, North Rosommon, South Donegal and I’ve been a strong voice for the people of those areas and I’ve always used my position even in opposition to articulate the need for projects for the betterment of my constituents. I’ ll give a voice locally, but I’m also a politician, its a national role as well.”