David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----impact in making sure that those regional disparities that exist are dealt with. We know about the problems in the mid-west, for example, and so on. That will be a big part of how successful or not these RHAs are.

How does Mr. Kearns see the role of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF? How will it interact with RHAs? There is a view, and it is one I share, that there needs to be much more transparency about NTPF waiting lists. At present, those lists do not cover community and diagnostic waiting lists. We also need a much sharper validation process for the waiting lists. I accept all of that. The functions of the NTPF could be changed, however, to allow it be a commissioner of services. In fact, it might be the body that could oversee a national, integrated hospital waiting list management system. That may not be the case. However, a system like that needs to be put in place. Has Mr. Kearns given any consideration to how he sees the NTPF working in a reformed HSE?