Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

How long do I have? First, I am not intending to go anywhere and we have a confidence and supply agreement in place for three budgets and then we want to talk about a renewal, so who knows when anyone's tenure will come to an end. I would be happy to come back when I have more time talk about the plans we are working on in health and some of the progress we are making in some challenging areas. Around the world, healthcare is becoming more demanding and we have to challenge ourselves to come up with new and innovative ways to deliver it. We are making progress in several areas in the healthcare system. I do not wish to go into them all because that would go beyond the committee's remit and that would be unfair to members.

In respect of reform I have brought forward legislation for a HSE board to increase accountability. We have carried out the consultation on geoalignment and how to achieve in other parts of the country what exists in Deputy Harty's part of the country, a CHO and hospital group that work well. That is a key Sláintecare recommendation.

The roll-out of assistant psychologists has taken place under the leadership of the Minister of State and those working in the mental health sector have welcomed that reform. Advanced nurse practitioners have been installed in mental health services, which is another reform. This committee is well aware of the review of 'A Vision for Change', which I am sure we will talk about in a moment. Rather than talk about him when he is sitting beside me I will ask the Minister of State to answer the question about telepsychology directly. I will consider the Deputy's suggestion for CHO 3.