The policy decision was taken at an early stage that the Health (Amendment) Bill should deal only with the relationship between the Minister and the HSE. The sole focus and purpose of this Bill is to cover the provision of information and documents by the operational arm of the health service, the HSE, to the person who has political and other accountability for the health service, the Minister for Health and Children, in a way that is necessary for the Minister to fulfil her role and functions. However, the present Bill in no way affects the current rules applicable to the HSE in supplying information to statutory bodies and persons. They remain unchanged and the Minister expects the executive to co-operate fully and consistently with such bodies in the performance of their functions.

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