Noël Browne

Dr No%C3%ABl Browne

Noël Christopher Browne (20 December 1915 – 21 May 1997) was an Irish politician and physician. He is best known for his role as Minister for Health in the First Inter-Party Government of Ireland and for his efforts to implement the Mother and Child Scheme.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Noël Browne was born in Waterford, Ireland. He was educated at St. Anthony's College, Galway, and later at University College Dublin where he studied medicine. Browne's early life was marked by the death of several family members from tuberculosis, which influenced his later career in public health.

Medical Career[edit | edit source]

After qualifying as a doctor, Browne worked in various hospitals in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His experiences with tuberculosis patients deeply affected him and motivated his commitment to public health reform.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Browne entered politics as a member of Clann na Poblachta and was elected to Dáil Éireann in 1948. He was appointed Minister for Health in the First Inter-Party Government led by John A. Costello.

Mother and Child Scheme[edit | edit source]

Browne is most famous for his attempt to introduce the Mother and Child Scheme, which aimed to provide free medical care for mothers and children up to the age of 16. The scheme faced strong opposition from the Catholic Church and the Irish Medical Association, leading to Browne's resignation in 1951.

Later Political Career[edit | edit source]

After leaving Clann na Poblachta, Browne joined several other political parties, including Fianna Fáil, Labour Party, and as an Independent. He continued to advocate for public health and social justice throughout his career.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Browne married Phyllis Harrison in 1944, and they had two children. He published his autobiography, "Against the Tide," in 1986, which detailed his political and personal struggles.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Noël Browne is remembered as a pioneering figure in Irish public health and a controversial but principled politician. His efforts to combat tuberculosis and his advocacy for the Mother and Child Scheme left a lasting impact on Irish society.