Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many of the members will have had a similar experience whereby one goes to the forum, asks one's question, etc.

We have the HSE board in place to ensure accountability at national level but we need to find a way whereby there can be accountability at regional level. I am committed to working with Members of the Houses on all sides in order to devise the legislation relating to the HSE board. That is the first point. The second point is that we need to consider putting in place a structure that will not facilitate the return of the health boards but that will allow front-line healthcare professionals and those who represent the public to ask key questions of the people in charge. Day in and day out, people in the Oireachtas and stakeholders who represent patient groups, etc., inform me that they do not believe there is a structure in place. Quite frankly, neither do I. It is a priority of mine, after the HSE board legislation is passed, to consider what other accountability mechanisms can be put in place through legislation. In the event that my words might be misinterpreted, I want to make it clear that I see us moving - as envisaged in the Sláintecare report - towards regional structures with boards that will hold people to account.