Mr. Phelim Quinn:

I was asked my view on strategy on HIQA in the future. I believe that there is a requirement for a robust performance management mechanism across the health and social care system. At present, it appears to be transferring, from 1 January, into the Department. What we say is that, in conjunction with the Department of Health, the HSE should accept these recommendations and see their implementation over the course of a realistic timeframe. Some of these recommendations can be achieved in a relatively short period of time and others will take longer but we believe that the services and those who procure or commission those services need to performance manage the recommendations and their implementation.

Deputy Regina Doherty asked a number of technical questions and they relate to the focus groups, etc. Ms Dunnion has had closer involvement with the specifics of the review.