Attendance failure at health forum meetings is 'a concern'

The failure of some councillors to turn up for meetings of the Regional Health Forum for the West and North-West was highlighted at last week's annual general meeting at Merlin Park in Galway.

Tuam-based Cllr Donogh Killilea called for action, having already raised the matter as far back as the December when he told colleagues it was “disappointing to see that some members of the forum do not attend it at all”. Cllr Killilea noted that failure to attend three meetings put an onus on a local authority to nominate another councillor to the role.

Returning to the issue last week, he said: “Could I have an examination carried out of the standing orders for the next meeting as I consider this to be one of the most important committee structures within our local authority; and the standing orders of attending two meetings is not being adhered to. It is good to see some members attend with an online presence, maybe to stop unnecessary mileage.” 

Mayo councillor and forum vice-chair Cllr Michael Kilcoyne supported the call, saying: “I think it is really important that the members submit questions as well. I know they might be a bit of a pain trying to get answers and the time it takes but it is really important people are encouraged to do that.” 

Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan said the item could certainly be put on the agenda for an upcoming committee meeting and said he would circulate standing orders once more to members, advising “there is a lot to be read in them”.