While I recognise that continually strengthening accountability and good governance within the HSE is of critical importance, I have no plans to introduce a legislative based accountability framework for the HSE. My Department has, however, engaged intensively with both the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform over recent weeks with a view to considerably strengthening the existing HSE Accountability Framework and deliberations are ongoing in this regard. I expect that this enhanced Performance and Accountability Framework will be put into effect by the HSE in the near future, particularly in the context of the additional funding recently approved by Government for the health services.