Vol. 421 No. 5
52 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Health if the Government intend to proceed with proposals for the establishment of a single new authority to replace the Eastern Health Board; if the consultation process with the relevant interests, which his predecessor indicated would take place, has been completed; if so, if he will outline the interests consulted and the outcome of any such consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
92 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his views on whether eight health boards are necessary or useful in a country of our size.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 92 together.
I am proceeding with the preparation of legislation to put in place new organisational structures in the Eastern Health Board area. My proposals, which I will be submitting to Government during the summer, will also address the need for greater clarity in relation to the respective roles, relationships and accountability of the other health board memberships and their Chief Executive Officers.
As regards the number of health boards, this is a matter which I will be considering as part of the development of my proposals on organisational structures.
A wide ranging consultation process was initiated when the Government's decisions on the reorganisation of the health service were announced last September. Written submissions were invited from 140 organisations representing the widest range of interests including medical and para-medical groups; voluntary hospitals and organisations; regulatory bodies; academic and training bodies; and trade union and employer organisations. I have received 106 submissions and I am pleased with the general support for the Government's proposed reforms contained in them. Officers of my Government are now meeting with organisations to discuss the issues they have raised in more detail before legislative proposals are finalised.
I hope to present the legislation to the Oireachtas in the autumn.
