Vol. 455 No. 3
12 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to implement the proposed reorganisation of the health services in the eastern region and replace the Eastern Health Board with a regional health authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12049/95]
(Limerick East): The Government is committed to bringing forward legislation to facilitate the reform of structures in the Eastern Health Board area. Work on the matter is well under way in my Department and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals before the Government in the near future.
In light of the Minister's plan for reorganisation of the health services in the eastern region will the greater Dublin area be managed by one authority which will replace the Eastern Health Board? Will voluntary hospitals be included in the reorganisation?
(Limerick East): I will bring proposals before the Government in the autumn and will announce them at that stage. There is no point in getting into piecemeal discussion on structures at this stage because the full proposals are not ready. They are almost formulated and I need to consult with various people before making my announcement.
Is the Minister indicating he is not in a position to give any information on the planned reorganisation of the health services in the eastern region?
(Limerick East): I am giving the information requested. I intend to make changes in the Eastern Health Board area, but as in all cases a process must be gone through and proposals must go to Government. It is not practice to give a trailer of the proposals in the House before they are submitted to Government.
