Thomas P. Broughan
Question:9 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement in relation to the interim report of the Task Force on the Eastern Regional Health Authority. [15903/97]
Written Answers. - Task Force Report.
The interim report of the Task Force on the Eastern Regional Health Authority was presented to me on 30 June 1997. I met the members of the task force shortly afterwards and brought their recommendations to the attention of the Government at the earliest opportunity. On 29 July last, I announced the Government's agreement to the task force's recommendations; to the immediate publication of its interim report and to the preparation, as a priority, of draft heads of a Bill to give legislative effect to the task force's recommendations.
I am pleased to inform the House that work on the draft heads of a Bill is now well under way in my Department and I hope to be in a position to bring proposals to Government in this regard in the near future. Meanwhile, I understand that the task force, under the chairmanship of Mr. Donal O'Shea, is continuing its work on the administrative and organisational structures which will be required for the transition to the new structures, in consultation with all the various interests involved.