Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2005
200 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if ministerial regulations have been made under the Health (Amendment) Act 2005 to establish regional health forums; the composition of such forums; the level of representation from local government on these forums; the date of their establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28892/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 42 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the establishment by the Minister for Health and Children of not more than four regional health forums. These forums will comprise members appointed from each city and county council within the functional areas of the forums.
The function of a forum, as provided for in the 2004 Act, is to make such representations as it considers appropriate to the Health Service Executive on the range and operation of health and personal social services within its functional area.
Section 42 provides that details relating to the establishment, composition and operation of the regional health forums will be set out in regulations to be made by the Minister for Health and Children, following consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. These regulations are being drafted by my Department. It is my intention that they will be finalised as soon as possible so as to enable the regional health forums to be established at an early date.
