Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
399. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the various changes and requirements needed to fully introduce Sláintecare are being pursued at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18861/23]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to the to the continued delivery of Sláintecare reform and to the Sláintecare vision of a universal health and social care system where everyone has equitable access to services based on their need, and not on their ability to pay. Investment of €23.4 billion in Budget 2023 in Ireland’s Health and Social Care Services is the highest allocation of funding to the health service in the history of the state. This will facilitate better access to affordable and equitable, high-quality healthcare for people at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone.
The Sláintecare Progress Report for 2022 was published last month (gov.ie - Sláintecare Progress Report 2022 (www.gov.ie). It shows that the reform measures taken so far are making a positive impact on patient’s lives. It presents the work undertaken to deliver foundational long-term change that will significantly enhance overall capacity and will deliver patient-centred care. The report highlights significant achievements made in improving access, affordability and quality in our health and social care services. The 2023 Sláintecare Action Plan (accessible at this link: gov.ie - Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 (www.gov.ie) was also recently published. It will build on the very real progress made with the focus in 2023 continuing to be on improving access, outcomes, and affordability for patients by increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the workforce, infrastructure and delivery of patient care.
The Sláintecare Programme Board was established in 2021 to drive the reform programme and embed the Sláintecare principles throughout the health and social care service. The Board is co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department of Health (DoH) and Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and provides senior official interagency strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability for delivery of the Sláintecare reform programme. Updates on the implementation of Sláintecare are also provided to the Cabinet Committee on Health, chaired by the Taoiseach, and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.
