Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the relationship between her Department and the Health Information and Quality Authority; if she will outline the established protocols, if any, that are in place to ensure that recommendations made in HIQA reports are implemented without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34633/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The Health Information and Quality Authority is an independent agency under the aegis of my Department and is funded from my Department's vote. Part 6 of the Health Act 2007 sets out the statutory basis for the corporate relationship between me as Minister for Health and Children and the Authority. The Act makes provision for my consideration of the Authority's three- year Corporate Plan, with its Corporate Plan 2010-2012 having been approved by me in July of this year, and its annual Business Plan. The Authority has recently completed the revision of its Code of Governance in line with guidance published by the Department Finance in 2009 and submitted it to me for my approval. I meet regularly with the Authority's Chairman and CEO. My relationship with the Authority reflects the fact that it was established with a high degree of independence in carrying out its executive functions.

The manner of implementation for the Authority's recommendations is specific to the provider and sector in question. As a matter of course, the Authority sets out timelines and specific requirements in individual reports, remains in ongoing contact with the relevant provider and stakeholders and monitors progress against agreed action plans. Details of inspections undertaken and recommendations made are published and available from the Authority's website (www.hiqa.ie).