An Independent Review Group (IRG) was established last year to examine the role of voluntary organisations in publicly funded health and personal social services. The IRG is composed of Dr Catherine Day (who is chairing the group), Prof Jane Grimson and Prof Deirdre Madden.
The IRG was established to examine current arrangements with regard to the role of voluntary agencies in the provision of services across the health and social care sector; to consider the issues currently arising, and those that are likely to arise in the future; and to make recommendations on how the relationship between the State and voluntary organisations should evolve in the future.
As part of its work the IRG has examined a wide range of issues, conducted a public consultation process, and met with a number of key stakeholders as well as experts from a number of other countries.
The IRG’s Terms of Reference do not provide for an interim report. However, I understand that the IRG is in the concluding stages of its work and I expect to receive its final report shortly.