Vol. 563 No. 1
425 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in addressing the issues that the remit of his Department is too broad and that there are a whole range of fundamental skills sets where his Department is either under-resourced or has no resources at all, in view of the finding in a value for money audit of the health system by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7263/03]
430 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made in addressing the issues as outlined in the findings in a value for money audit of the health system by a company (details supplied) that the remit of his Department is too broad and that there are a whole range of fundamental skills sets where his Department is either under-resourced or has no resources at all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7287/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 425 and 430 together.
The report which the Deputy refers to is the Deloitte and Touche Value for Money Audit of the Health System. This report was published in 2001 and was in the process of being finalised as work on the health strategy was being completed. Its findings were flagged during the process to the group working on preparation of the health strategy. This is why many of the findings of the Value for Money Audit of the Health System report are dealt with directly in the context of the health strategy, and in particular in the context of the framework for organisational reform.
As the Deputy rightly points out, the role of the Department, and the system generally, is extremely broad and complex in its remit by international standards. While this remit presents challenges in terms of its scope, it also presents unique opportunities to advance a broad concept of health status as defined by the World Health Organisation, WHO, which includes health and well-being, quality of life issues and the achievement of full health potential. It also provides good opportunities to develop integrated care systems for those with complex needs which range from acute medical interventions to personal social services.
The Deputy refers in particular to the role, skills sets and resources of the Department. I would like to draw the attention of the House to the fact that the findings of the Value for Money Audit of the Health System report related to a much wider set of concerns, including the establishment of a health information and evaluation agency, financing mechanisms for the Irish health system, the structure and organisation of the health system, the development of health care policy, resource allocation and performance measurement and information systems, among other items.
These issues are all being advanced at present in a number of projects, namely, the audit of structures and functions of the health system; the Commission on Financial Management and Controls in the Health Service; the development of a national health information strategy; ongoing work on the implementation of the strategy at regional level; and the internal restructuring of the Department, including the development of a population health division. The report on the audit of structures and functions of the health system and the Commission on Financial Management and Controls in the Health Service will be brought to Government in the coming weeks for decision.
