Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not attempting to make a party-political point and I think everyone will agree with what I am about to say. The way that the HSE developed is not the way in which, I imagine, any of us would envisage a national health organisation developing. What we are going to do is pare back the HSE in terms of its size and devolve more powers to the regions. Let me make it clear that the health boards will not be returning. Before I became a Deputy, I was once involved with a regional health forum. I am sure I will upset people who serve on those forums when I say that they are not adequate in the context of holding people to account.