An order to delegate appropriate functions to Minister of State Alex White is being prepared. Subject to Government approval, I envisage that Minister of State White will be given responsibilities across a range of statutory functions, similar to those delegated to his predecessor including: controlled drugs, pharmacy and medicines.
Many of the matters that arise for ministerial decision in the Primary Care area do not have a specific statutory basis. I intend to delegate responsibility to the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, on a non-statutory basis in relation to the following areas of Primary Care: Development of Primary Care; Medical Card and GP Visit Card Schemes; Community Drug Schemes; Issues relating to GPs, Dentists, Pharmacists, and Opticians; Dental, Audiology, Optical and Chiropody services; and National Drugs Strategy. He will also have delegated responsibility for alcohol-related health issues.