asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the health board system as structured at present is proving too costly and is an obstacle to reform; and if so, if he has any plans to restructure it.
Written Answers - Health Board System.
47.
The estimated expenditure on health board administration in 1987 represented only 2.66 per cent of gross non-capital expenditure on the health services generally. Having regard to the range and quality of services provided by health boards I do not accept that the health board system is too costly. The Deputy will be aware of the strict budgetary and employment control measures which apply throughout the health sector including the health boards. In addition, efforts are continuing to improve the cost effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery system to ensure better value for the financial resources invested.
My overall plans for the restructuring of the health boards will be refined in conjunction with an assessment of a number of pilot projects which are presently underway which will examine an integrated and perhaps more effecient system of delivery of care. Implementation of my proposals will, of course, involve consultation with the relevant professional and staff interests.