The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.
The initiative to provide intermediate care for 500 older people annually waiting discharge from the acute hospital sector is being administered by the Health Service Executive. It has invited tenders for the 500 intermediate care places. The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 16 February 2005. A copy of the Deputy's question has therefore been forwarded to the interim chief executive officer for direct reply.