Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018
128. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on the Sláintecare report; the timeframe for same; if he will meet with the members of the Select Committee on the Future of Healthcare in advance of publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8848/18]
View answerThe Sláintecare report, produced by the Committee on the Future of Healthcare, represents a significant milestone in our political and health policy history. It is the first time that cross-party consensus of this scale has been achieved on health policy. It provides a once in a generation opportunity to achieve the most comprehensive reform of our health services ever undertaken and to improve health outcomes for our population.
Implementing a large-scale reform of this nature requires a significant programme of work, and this work is underway. My Department is currently preparing 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. Recruitment is also underway for an Executive Director for the new dedicated Sláintecare Programme Office which is being established. I was also pleased to be able to announce a substantial commitment of nearly €11 billion to capital investment across our health services over the next decade as outlined in the National Development Plan published last week. This investment will support new capacity development and provide a catalyst for reform.
I will meet with a representative group from the Committee on the Future of Healthcare next week to provide a further update.
I am confident that the period ahead will see a notable advancement in the implementation of Sláintecare in a manner that will build momentum and support for the long-term reform of our health and social care services.
