Mr. Colm Desmond:

If I can answer without going back in history about the disbandment of the HSE board, I was not in this post at that time. Sláintecare recommended that a board be put in place. The governance legislation for that purpose is before the Oireachtas so there is a recognition that governance within the HSE and accountability constitute an ongoing process. In any complex area, which, with respect, is not as straightforward as, perhaps, the private sector and which involves a slightly more limited set of parameters in some cases, there is an acceptance that it is an ongoing process that we need to remain on top of. For that purpose, a board is being re-established. A chairperson has been appointed and the process is continuing at a very fast pace.

Various approaches have been taken over the years in terms of the delivery of health services and what the appropriate structure is at the top of the health sector. We would simply say that regardless of the history, about which I cannot comment, this is where we stand at this point in time and the recommendation of the need to continue to reform, improve and deepen the accountability and governance structures within the HSE and the health sector generally is there.