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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

I know that you have already had a full day’s work at the conference – and that you were hosted to State hospitality last evening in the majestic Dublin Castle, by the Minister for Health. But as this is the formal opening – I would like to ‘formally’ welcome you to this year’s annual conference. I would particularly like to extend a warm welcome to the many overseas delegates who have come – not only from our neighbours in Europe – but from Canada, the United States and from the Far East. I have no doubt that quite a number of you are visiting for the first time – and you will have realised by now that we don’t have much control over our weather!

Your annual conference was last in Ireland in 1971, and so it is a particular honour for me to have been invited to officiate at this – the 33rd conference - and let me say how grateful I am to Desmond Duff, the new Chairman of the Association – and Chairman of the Organising Committee - for affording me this honour on your behalf. I know that you have a full programme of working sessions, presentations and lectures – covering the many topics and disciplines that impinge on the whole vital area of paediatric cardiology. Occasions like this usually mean a lot of hard work – both for delegates and presenters – as new information is shared and analysed – and views and ideas are explored. I commend all of you on taking the time out from your busy schedules to be here in Dublin for this conference - for having the openness of mind, the intellectual curiosity and the professional humility needed to advance scholarship and research – and to ensure your discipline remains fresh and vital.

Caring for the sick can so often be a thankless task – a job which can be demanding, frustrating and exhaustive. The happy expectations of parents of new born infants can so quickly turn to worry, fear and anxiety - as they face into a child’s serious illness, and carry the double burden of caring for their new born child – and seeing them suffer so helplessly. Your professions know of the great burden this is on parents – and of the need for swift action or intervention to address the needs of those unfortunate infants and their parents. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous service that you give – your dedication and commitment to the care of the most helpless – as they struggle in their early hours and days – when the treatment they receive at that tender age can so profoundly impact on their lives – and the lives of those who love them. It is your professionalism - steady and sure – which offers welcome reassurance and help.

The conference which we are opening this morning covers many aspects of your work – and is an opportunity to meet many other professionals in this important area of medical care and treatment – and to share current thinking and developments in the different disciplines. With the tremendous advances in medical science and pharmacology – infant life expectancies are continuing to improve – and the prospects for a better quality of life for those who are in your care are increasing with every new development. Expectations are also growing. Things which defeated you a short time ago are no longer insuperable.

But as technology provides answers and solutions - your task gets more and more complex – and is constantly in need of critique and review. Over the next two days you will have an opportunity to do just that - and to share ideas, insights, problems and solutions. It is an opportunity for those of you who work in specific disciplines to explore the interconnectedness of your related professions – and to pool your talents and skills – away from the daily bustle of your ordinary but vital work. The quality of treatment that you give is directly related to your willingness to be open – to embrace change – to critique and amend – to try out new ideas and to learn.

In opening the conference – I want to wish all of you well in your deliberations. I hope you have an enjoyable and fruitful conference - discussing the new possibilities your work can offer to those who rely on your care – your professionalism and your dedication.

I see that your Chairman has very wisely factored in a different dimension to the conference – with some time for R&R – an Irish night this evening – dancing tomorrow night – and a tour to Glendalough on Saturday. I strongly urge you to take your doctors advice – and avail of the other side of Ireland while you are here. I promise that you will have a memorable experience!

ENDS