Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Under section 31 of the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive must submit a service plan to the Department of Health and Children within 21 days of the publication of the Estimates. The service plan was submitted in line with this legislation on 8 December 2005. There was a further period of 21 days from its submission to either approve the plan or issue a direction to have it amended. I approved the HSE plan on 22 December 2005.

Under section 31 of the Health Act 2004, it is my responsibility to "ensure that a copy of the approved service plan is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days after the plan is approved". I laid the service plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 9 January.

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