Bernard Allen
Question:113 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes to establish a national forum to develop a new health funding strategy. [12631/01]
Written Answers - Health Strategy.
My Department is currently preparing a new health strategy to follow on from the 1994 strategy, Shaping a Healthier Future. Working groups have been established, examining different elements of the health service, one of which is a working group on funding.
A consultative forum has also been established, in recognition of the desire for a wide variety of perspectives, including expert views. Within that context there are consultative committees on the same themes as those covered by the working groups including funding. It is expected that the committees will submit reports this month to the overall steering group which is overseeing the work of the committees.