PRESS STATEMENT

Irish Division Annual Research Prize Day - and first meeting with new structure

The Irish Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (incorporating the Irish College of Psychiatrists and the Northern Ireland Section) held its Annual Research Prize Day in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, Co. Down on the 18th of October. The event was well supported, with 10 oral presentations and 20 poster presentation from psychiatrists, north and south.

The winners were as follows:

• Dr Brendan Kelly, for his paper on "Neurological Soft Signs and Dermatoglyphic Anomalies in Twins with Schizophrenia"
• Dr. Maria Moran for her poster on "The use of Psychotropics in the Elderly with Sleep Complaints"

The Annual Research Prize Day is sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. The meeting was attended by over 100 psychiatrists North and South.

On the same day the Irish Division held its first Executive and general Business Meeting since its new structural arrangements were agreed.

The Division announced plans to hold a two day Academic Seminar on the 27th and 28th of March 2003 - entitled 'Irish Psychiatry 2003'. This seminar will include business meetings, academic sessions for all specialties and for general psychiatrists. It is also planned to invite a high profile keynote speaker to address delegates. A Collegiate Dinner is also planned for the evening of the 27th March.

It was also announced that the final of the Spike Milligan Public Speaking Competition will be held on 20th March 2003. The preliminary stages of this well supported event commenced this week.

Guest speaker at the Division meeting was Professor Robin McCreadie, Vice-President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London. Professor McCreadie is directly involved in plans for further devolution by the College, which will lead to further autonomy for the Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English Divisions. His visit allowed members of the Irish Division Executive an opportunity to express the views of the Irish membership on how devolution should proceed.

Further information
Wally Young, Young Communications 01-6680530 or 087-2471520