Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - Eastern Regional Health Authority.

Seán Barrett

Question:

36 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that all necessary administrative and staff arrangements have been made and agreed to ensure that the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the new three area health boards will smoothly replace the Eastern Health Board on 1 March 2000. [5517/00]

Alan Shatter

Question:

151 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that all necessary administrative and staff arrangements have been made and agreed to ensure that the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the new three area health boards will smoothly replace the Eastern Health Board on 1 March 2000. [5620/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 151 together.

I have discussed the arrangements for the transition from the current Eastern Health Board to the new Eastern Regional Health Authority with the chief executives of the regional authority and the three areas health boards within the past week. I am satisfied that the necessary administrative arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition. Senior personnel in both the task force and the Eastern Health Board have been engaged in extensive consultation with the relevant trade unions and staff associations in recent weeks. The task force has, since its establishment in 1997, been working to ensure that all necessary preparatory measures were taken to allow for an orderly transition process.

I am confident that with the co-operation and goodwill of all concerned the handover will be smooth and that the people in the eastern region can look forward to seeing the benefits of an improvement in health services over the coming months.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in the current Eastern Health Board and the members of the task force of the Eastern Regional Health Authority for their dedication and co-operation.