Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
16 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the programme of work undertaken to date by the national steering committee to oversee the different strands of the health reform programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10811/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national steering committee was established to oversee, monitor and steer the health reform programme. The committee, chaired by Mr. Kevin Kelly, held its first meeting on 16 February last. This initial meeting provided an opportunity for the committee to be briefed on progress to date in the first phase of implementation of the programme; to be updated on the development of a project plan for the next phases, including the identification of key milestones in 2004; and to discuss the most appropriate focus for the committee in guiding and overseeing progress.
The four interrelated strands of activity under way are: the work of the interim health service executive leading to the establishment and the orderly transfer of functions to the HSE; aspects of the reform programme for which the Department of Health and Children has lead responsibility; the work of the acute hospitals' review group chaired by Mr. David Hanly; and the ongoing management of the health system and internal preparations for the new organisation and governance arrangements being led by the chief executive officers of health boards and the Health Boards Executive. It is anticipated that the NSC will meet again shortly.
