Vol. 415 No. 8
40 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the legislative changes, if any, he proposes on foot of his consideration of the report of the Commission on Health Funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The report of the Commission on Health Funding was a very comprehensive examination of a wide range of aspects of health policy including funding issues, eligibility for services, organisational structures and accountability. The report, and the consultation process which followed its publication, provided a most important input to the Government's decisions in these areas and to the preparation of legislation on foot of them.
The Health (Amendment) Act, 1991, is in place and has restructured eligibility for health services in line with the recommendations of the Commission.
As announced in September last, legislation is now being prepared to implement the Government's decisions on the reorganisation of health services in the Eastern Health Board area and the improvement of accountability in the health services in general. I am giving consideration to providing in this legislation for certain other recommendations of the commission, such as a greater degree of uniformity in the eligibility criteria for the various community-based services provided by health boards. I intend to bring the legislation before the House in the course of this year.
I welcome the Minister's commitment to uniformity of eligibility in any legislation brought before the House arising from the report of the Commission on Health Funding. Is the Minister aware that the kernel of the commission's conclusions is that the sole problem in the past has not been one of funding but the proper planning, organisation and delivery of services? Is the Minister aware of the dilemma highlighted by the commission? Does he intend to respond to it, as did his predecessor in relation to Eastern Health Board funding?
I read the report and I agree with his comments. I will examine the issue to determine what can be done as quickly as possible.
Has the Minister any idea when the legislation he has promised, and which we would welcome, will come before the House?
I must point out I have been Minister for only a few days. However, that is one matter I asked about and I am assured details will be presented before the summer. It is hoped that the necessary legislation will be introduced in the autumn.
Thank you.
I promise to keep the Deputy informed.
