Health Committee to meet Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and Health Department Secretary General Robert Watt

The meeting will take place in Leinster House, Committee Room 2 at 9.30am.

Health Committee Cathaoirleach Seán Crowe TD said: “Hospital waiting lists for in-patient and out-patient care were already at an unacceptable level before the Covid-19 pandemic and the cyber-attack on the HSE. Sláintecare – a programme with all-party support - was offering hope of reform and improved access to healthcare for all in a timely manner.

“But after a number of high-profile resignations from the Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council in recent weeks, including its chair Professor Tom Keane, there is very serious concern about the pace of reform and the future of the programme. Tomorrow’s meeting is a welcome opportunity for members to question the Minister and the Secretary General of the Department on a number of issues around Sláintecare including the recent resignations and the reasons behind them, progress being made on the programme, details of plans for a new implementation group and plans to tackle patients lists.”

Watch the meeting live.