John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I hope to have my first opportunity to discuss these matters with the new Fine Gael Deputy Whip, Deputy Joe Carey.

In a recent Private Members' motion debate, Fine Gael's previous representative on this topic, Deputy Stanton, made the assertion that the Government had failed to make proposals in this area. I was glad to see the Minister of State, Deputy Kelleher, clarify the situation and point out that proposals had indeed been made. Upon inspection, I noted that Deputy Stanton was listed as being present at that meeting according to the relevant minutes. Deputy Stagg from the Labour Party was also present. The reality is that the Government made proposals, but that consensus was not achievable. It is due to this inability that I have embarked on an attempt to identify on a bilateral basis areas where there is broad political agreement.

In addition to the draft package of reforms tabled by the Government on reforming the procedures of the Dáil, I would like to take this opportunity to update my colleagues in the House on an issue which I know is of concern to Members on all sides. It is also a matter which has been raised Fine Gael and Labour in their proposals on Dáil reform, namely, greater parliamentary accountability for State agencies, in particular the Health Services Executive, HSE. At my request, I have twice met with the CEO of the HSE along with relevant officials from the HSE and the Department of Health and Children, first some weeks ago and then again last week to receive an update. At both meetings, I set out the concerns of Deputies regarding access to information from the HSE. I also outlined the concerns, which are often aired in the Chamber by Deputies, about the timeliness with which our inquiries are dealt with by the HSE. There was full recognition by the CEO and his officials that their performance in answering questions from Deputies must be improved. At last week's meeting, they set out how they were addressing the situation and how their response times were improving. I impressed upon them the need to continue to progress these improvements so that the quality and speed of their responses reflect modern parliamentary demands.

At last week's meeting, the officials from the HSE also set out their plan to have an improved ICT system for processing and tracking queries and submissions that Deputies make on behalf of constituents. They also advised that a dedicated page on their website is being developed for Oireachtas Members. It will provide access to health information, reports etc. It will be available on the website shortly. I look forward to these becoming a reality in the near future.

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