Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2016
41. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health his plans for the governance arrangements of hospital groups; if, how and when he will enact legislation to put the administrative arrangement of hospital groups on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13698/16]
View answerSeven Hospital Groups have been established on a non-statutory administrative basis. Pending the enactment of legislation, Hospital Groups will continue to operate within existing legislative frameworks governing the health services and the policy and accountability frameworks of the Department of Health and the HSE.
The implementation of Hospital Groups will progress in a phased manner, which will provide for devolved decision-making, fostering flexibility, innovation and local responsiveness, while also adhering to prescribed national service objectives and standards. As Hospital Groups are implemented, of key importance is the early demonstration of progress towards a more co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of services within and across the groups.
The establishment of Hospital Groups is one component of a complex health reform programme. As set out in the Programme for Government, an Oireachtas All-Party Committee is to develop a long-term vision for healthcare over a 10 year period. I intend to progress discussions in this regard before giving further consideration to the issue of establishing Hospital Groups on a statutory basis.
