My Department accepted an invitation from the Health Service Executive to participate in the review of the PPARS computer system and, in this regard, assigned a senior ICT staff member. I understand the terms of reference of the review have been agreed and include, inter alia, establishing the current position relating to the development and implementation of PPARS, identifying the options which will meet the future strategic requirements of the HSE and determining the option which will best meet those requirements from a strategic and financial perspective.
I understand the review will be completed in the early part of 2006. I expect recommendations will arise from the review regarding the future of the system but I will not pre-empt the outcome of the review.