Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the difference of opinion between the Deputy and me regarding the meaning of NewERA, in June 2012, the Minister for Health appointed Professor John Higgins to chair a strategic group on the establishment of hospital groups. That board has representatives with both national and international experience in health service delivery, governance and linkages with academic institutions, which are part of progress for the future. The establishment of these trusts is a complex matter and there is an obvious need for communication and direct dialogue with all the organisations and individuals involved. Over 70 meetings have taken place as part of the process of establishing initial hospital groups. I expect the Minister for Health to be in a position to decide on an administrative basis the setting up of these groups inside the next month pending the introduction of the legislation. Before the trusts are legally established, the functioning of the groups must be reviewed and if changes prove necessary, they will be made with Government approval. Clearly, there are different views in the south east. It is an issue of concern from both the political and medical perspectives and relationships between various institutions and personnel all come into these discussions. I expect the Minister to be in a position to finalise that and the other groups around the country in the next four weeks.

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