Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

Traditionally, the Department over-concentrated on inputs. As is clear from the report, the role of the Department is focused on outcomes, results and measuring performance. The report draws attention to the need for the Department to have a different skill-set such as economic analysis and analytical skills in general. I share that view. The service plan has to be approved by the Minister. I agree that there is a fine line in many respects between policy and its implementation. The cancer control framework was a policy initiative of mine which was endorsed by the Government and implemented by the Health Service Executive. The Department has to be praised for that policy initiative. We need to see the Department involved in more of that.

Significant reorganisation has taken place. It is acknowledged that the Department and the Health Service Executive are on a journey in terms of how services are provided. Initially there is always a lot of nervousness about change but the working relationship between the Department and the Health Service Executive has improved immensely. I want to see that continue. I would be happy to arrange for Deputies to meet and engage with the management team. Members would see that they are made up of hard-working, committed, energetic civil servants who take that task seriously.

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