Mr. Jim Ryan:

As the Deputy is aware, that was launched by the previous Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, several weeks ago. It is Government policy. I understand that it is mentioned in the programme for Government. As a provider, the HSE will work very closely with the Department and Health, from which the policy document originates, in order for it to be implemented. Similar to A Vision for Change, which was launched in 2006, it is a ten-year document. The next stage will be an implementation plan. Dr. McDaid was involved in the writing of the refresh document.

The HSE welcomes the policy document. A Vision for Change provided a very helpful roadmap for the development of services. It also enabled us to secure additional funding. We expect that an implementation plan will soon be put in place with the support of the Government and the Department of Health. We hope to be involved in that.