asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the present boundaries of the eight health boards which are decided by country boundary lines; and in view of the geographical location of some parts of certain counties which would appear to be more easily administered by another health board area, if he will reconsider his decision to adhere rigidly to county boundary lines other than geographical location.
Written Answers. - Health Board Boundaries.
51.
The Health Act, 1970, provides that the functional area of each health board shall be defined by regulations. The relevant regulations which were made in 1970 define the functional areas in terms of county administrative areas.
The delivery of health services transcends county and health board boundaries in the interests of an effective and efficient care delivery system. As the Deputy is aware, health boards have entered into arrangements with other health boards and other health agencies for the provision of external services in respect of persons in their functional areas.