Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Health Strategy.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

311 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made on the deliverables, as set out in the health strategy for each of the 121 action points set out in "Quality and Fairness, A Health System for You;" the initial target date for completion; the new target date for completion should the original not have been achieved; if the original target date was not met, the reasons therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/02]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

315 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made on the deliverables as set out in the health strategy; the initial target date for completion; the new target date for completion should the original not have been achieved; if the original target date was not met; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24636/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 315 together.

Significant progress has been made over the past year in the implementation of the national health strategy. The strategy is a seven to ten year plan and several key actions will take the full ten years to implement – for example, the primary care strategy. While the pace of introduction of some elements of the strategy which require significant investment may vary, this is not the case for many other elements and, to date, work has begun on more than 70 of the 121 actions in the strategy action plan.

At the reconvened national consultative forum held on 11 November last, I outlined – with the help of departmental officials and senior health board staff, a detailed inventory of investment and the associated service developments and changes in practice which have emerged in the past year in line with the new strategic direction set out in Quality and Fairness.

I intend to produce a report early next year showing those areas where progress has been made and I will provide a copy of this report to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available. I will also report to the Cabinet committee on the health strategy very shortly. While we will take stock of progress over the medium term it is not my intention to publish revised dates for the delivery of the health strategy at this time.