Louise O'Reilly
Question:483. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the HSE service plan for 2017 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30633/16]
View answerTuesday, 18 October 2016
Questions (483)
Written answers
As provided for under legislation (Health Act 2004 as amended), my Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation for 2017 not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services. The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its Service Plan for 2017 for my approval. The Health Act allows me to extend the period provided to the HSE to prepare, adopt and submit its Service Plan, if required. I understand that preparatory work is already underway within the HSE on the 2017 National Service Plan. I expect that the letter of determination will issue from my Department within the next week and that the HSE will submit its draft Plan for my consideration and approval within the time-frame set down in the legislation.
Following the submission of the draft National Service Plan, the legislation provides 21 days for me to examine the proposed Plan and where necessary to seek amendment to, or approve, the Plan. The National Service Plan must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the HSE will ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.