Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
57. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health to halt the devolution of control of hospitals to trusts as part of the new ten-year health plan; and his plans to put hospital trusts on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20452/16]
View answerThe establishment of Hospital Groups represents a very significant reform of our hospital services. As I have stated previously, I intend to continue to implement Hospital Groups on an administrative basis. An Oireachtas All-Party Committee has been established to develop a single long-term vision for healthcare over a 10 year period. I think it important that those discussions are progressed before we give further consideration to the issue of establishing Hospital Groups on a legislative basis.
Until the legislation is advanced, Hospital Groups will continue to operate within the existing policy and accountability frameworks of the Department of Health and the HSE.
