Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
1153. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the governance structure for the implementation of the Sláintecare reform programme; the arrangements for oversight of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53387/21]
View answerA new Sláintecare Programme Board is being established to ensure that the drive for universal healthcare is fully embedded in both the Department of Health and the HSE. It will be co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department and the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE and will also comprise senior members of the Management Board and Executive Management Teams. It is in the process of being constituted and is expected to have its first meeting in the near future. The Board will report to me. The Cabinet Committee on Health will continue to report as appropriate.
In addition, individual projects have specific governance arrangements. The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group, under the joint governance of the HSE, Department of Health and Sláintecare, is guiding the development of the elective hospitals, following the process outlined in the Public Spending Code (PSC). As we move towards implementing Regional Health Areas (RHAs), it is important that the views of health and social care staff and patients are considered. The RHA Advisory Group will ensure that those perspectives are heard and as RHA design and implementation process progresses.
