Mr. Robert Watt:

People can have different views on this. I do not have a dogmatic view and am happy to have a debate about it. The detail on accountability, governance and oversight will have to be worked out. I envisage that the leadership of each RHA will be accountable for delivering services in its region and budgeting. I imagine that each would be accountable to the CEO of the HSE and the board. The relationship of accountability depends on the type of contract, the key performance indicators that are set and how each body is called to account. These questions have to be worked out in the design, but they are fundamental. Can we achieve what we want to achieve with this model? I believe we can. Will people have different views? I am sure they will. Can we debate them over the coming months? Absolutely. I will be happy to hear people's views. I have outlined what I believe will be proposed. From my experience, it is about having the right people, the correct targets and a clear governance arrangement such that staff know to whom they are accountable.