Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and thank him for his comprehensive presentation. I note his comments on the importance of listening to the voice of the clinician, particularly the clinical director, and the importance of empowering that voice. Will he expand on that? The 2008 consultants' contract includes a reference to giving the clinical director executive powers, authority and accountability over developing and planning services and managing the allocation of resources. Will the Minister discuss the powers of the clinical director in respect of budgetary decisions and how that would work? As he said, many of them are frustrated with their role as they do not feel they have enough powers.

The health sector capacity review is very welcome. The committee was provided with a response from the Department relating to the scope of that review. There are at least ten public servants on the steering group as well as two academics in the health service. It is important that the capacity review would be independent of the HSE so people can have confidence in its outcome. I am aware that a review group of international experts will examine it, but I anticipate that they would only be validating the findings of the group. It is important that the review is carried out independently so people have confidence in it. Will the Minister comment on that?

I welcome the Minister's comments on the importance of the governance structures and re-aligning the CHOs. The two big issues for hospitals at present are managing both the inflow of patients and the egress of patients, which is happening in the community and primary care setting. That alignment must take place to have optimum management of patient flows, so I welcome the Minister's views in that regard. I also look forward to his comments on the capacity review and the role of the clinical director and how he sees that being rolled out in our health services.