Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
260. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health when he expects to bring forward proposals for the establishment of the national hub as identified in the Action Plan for Jobs; if he envisages that the creation of this hub will require legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/13]
View answerThe establishment of the National Health Innovation Hub is one of seven 'Disruptive Reforms' included in the Government's Jobs Action Plan 2013. The aim is to establish a Hub to drive collaboration between the health system and the enterprise sector leading to the development and commercialisation of new healthcare technologies, products and services, emerging from within the health system and /or the enterprise system.
The steps deemed necessary to progress the establishment of the Hub are outlined in the Jobs Action Plan 2013, with the accompanying Table of Actions providing more detail. The Actions for 2013 include the preparation of a detailed proposal for Government consideration for the establishment of the National Health Innovation Hub with a timeline of Q4 2013 for this work. At this stage it is not envisaged that legislation will be required. Details of the Jobs Action Plan and the accompanying Table of Actions are available on the Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation website (www.enterprise.gov.ie).
