Vol. 577 No. 3
461 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the frequency with which the health service executive has met; when it is intended that it will meet; the terms of reference of the executive; the regularity of its meetings expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31185/03]
The Government has already announced the appointment of a board and an executive chair for the interim health service executive. Arrangements are in train for the first meeting of the board in early January 2004. Draft terms of reference have been prepared and circulated to board members. Following consideration by the board at its first meeting in early January, these will be formalised by the Minister. The board will decide on the regularity of its meetings. It is my intention that, assuming the legislation can be advanced in a timely fashion, the health service executive will be in place on a statutory basis in 2005.
