I propose to answer Questions Nos. 122, 164 and 165 together.
The Deputy is aware that the reports of Prospectus on structures and functions of the health system and of the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service form the key base documents for the Government's health services reform programme together with the report of the National Task Force on Medical Staffing.
The implementation of these reports is currently under way and will result in a single unitary national structure for health service planning and delivery. The Deputy should note that there will not in fact be four regional health boards. Instead, there will be a single unitary structure, the HSE, which will be supported by three pillars, one of which will manage the delivery of primary, community and continuing care services. This pillar will be organised through four regions for administrative purposes. I have already clarified this in the House.
I am conscious of the concerns to ensure that there is adequate governance of the new structures in a radically restructured health system together with appropriate representation. This is a matter that will continue to receive consideration. I am satisfied that the new arrangements, combined with the introduction of system-wide best practice governance and accountability systems, will ensure a stronger more effective health system and an improved heath service for patients and clients.
It is intended that the Health Service Executive will be established on a full statutory basis by January 2005. Work on the preparation of the necessary primary legislation is well under way. Meanwhile the board of the Interim Health Service Executive, established last November, held its first meeting in January. The interim HSE is being assigned responsibility for ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to ensure an orderly transfer from existing statutory agencies of authority, responsibility and accountability for the management and delivery of publicly funded health services. In particular, the interim board will have responsibility for: recommending the senior management structure for the new executive; recommending regional boundaries and location of regional headquarters for primary, community and continuing care services and appropriate management structures for consideration by the Government; and within approved parameters, selection and appointment of a chief executive officer to the HSE and subsequent appointments at senior management level.
