asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the present operation of the health boards; if a more efficient service has resulted from their introduction; if any cost/benefit analysis has been made of the operation of these boards by comparison with the previous system; and, if so, when the results will become available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Boards Operations.
17.
I would not wish to comment further on this issue until I have had an opportunity to complete the examination of the operation of the boards referred to in my reply to Deputy Nolan's question on 2nd May last. No cost/benefit analysis has been made of the operation of the boards.
Would the Minister consider arranging for a cost/benefit analysis to be made?
That is, of the health boards as against the old county boards? I am advised that it would take quite a long time, that it would be a very great undertaking and the value of such an undertaking would be doubtful as to the relationship between it and the health boards.
Would the Minister not think it advisable that we should know exactly how we stand in the health services, whether the decision to supplant the health authorities with the new, rationalised, health boards was justified in the light of our experience since their introduction?
Again, let me say it is a little too early, although I would be concerned about it, to carry out such an operation until a year or two has elapsed.