Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
60. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health when the programme for Government commitment to establish a patient safety authority will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7495/13]
View answerMy Department is examining the appropriate structures for the responsibilities that might be assigned to the Patient Safety Agency (PSA) taking account of the international experience and the existing structures and organisations in the Irish health system. The role and inter-relationship of the PSA with the reforming health system needs to be carefully designed and developed. My Department is liaising with the Health Service Executive on the details surrounding the establishment of the PSA to ensure an identifiable and distinct leadership responsibility for patient safety and quality at national level having regard to the need for a robust quality and safety function within the new delivery structures of the Reform Programme. The intention is to establish a Patient Safety Agency on an administrative basis in 2013.
