Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017
149. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the way in which he will ensure that persons in need of medical procedures are not left behind during the process of reforming the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15607/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Oireachtas All-Party Committee on the Future of Healthcare was established in June 2016 to develop a single long term vision for healthcare over a 10 year period, with cross party support.
At a meeting with the Committee last week, I outlined my views on the future direction of the health service and a number of key priorities that I believe should underpin that future direction. I welcomed the opportunity to share my perspective with the Committee and to also reiterate my belief that political consensus on the broad direction of health policy is crucial to delivering a real improvement in our health services. Considering I expect to receive the final report and recommendations of the Committee next month I intend to await the outcome before moving ahead with changes in relation to system design, financing or governance.
I also acknowledged the importance of taking a planned approach to any reforms and improvements to ensure that the health service remains capable of delivering services. The benefit of a ten year horizon is that it provides a context for carefully planning the evolution of structures so as to avoid unduly disrupting the primary focus on improving care delivery.
I look forward to the report of the Committee which will set out a 10 year vision and plan for our health services, which is due to be finalised by the end of April 2017.
