Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018
127. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the advice received by his Department in relation to the costings in Sláintecare; if his Department or others are costing the proposals separately; when this is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8847/18]
View answerThe Committee on the Future of Healthcare engaged the Centre for Health Policy in Trinity College Dublin to assist it with its deliberations. As part of this process, the Centre provided indicative costings for a range of recommended actions and these are outlined in the report. The Committee acknowledge in the report that these costings are only indicative, and that further work will be required by the Implementation Office, the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure effective investment in change.
As the Deputy is aware, I have been supportive of the work of the Committee since its establishment and believe the publication of the Sláintecare report provides us with a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the most comprehensive reform of our health services ever undertaken. The reform plans envisaged in the Sláintecare report will be a significant undertaking and need to be translated into a concrete and phased programme of work. In this regard, my Department is currently developing an implementation plan in response to the Sláintecare report. This process is at an advanced stage, and officials from my Department are now engaging with the Departments of the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future. Consideration of costs is an important part of this process and this will be addressed in the implementation plan.
