Mr. Robert Watt:

On the regional health areas and the hospital groups, as the Deputy is aware, that is related to proposed reforms in terms of improved integrated care, integration of the community healthcare organisations, CHOs, and the hospital groups. It is the reform plan that has been set out. We are now developing an implementation plan. As part of the implementation of this, the boards of the hospital groups are being stood down. We decided not to replace them because a number of members were due to leave and we had to replenish the membership. It was decided to stand down the groups, in effect, in preparation for the new structures we and the HSE are working on to deliver a key aspect of Sláintecare.

Regarding oversight of capital, we agree the overall capital budget. Every year, discussions take place between our Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, there is a decision on the allocation, and a view is reached on what capital projects can be delivered, which is set out within the national service plan and the letter of determination the Minister shares with the HSE. The HSE is then provided with delegated sanction to deliver projects in line with that mandate. The Department-----