Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The plan is to have the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill passed during this session. I would like to see the HSE board take office at the start of 2019. While the Bill must go through the normal process, including before the health committee, that is why I put forward a chair designate yesterday to get the ball rolling. Regarding implementation, I assume the Deputy is getting at the point that Dr. Scally has a major role to play. He has the confidence of those who were impacted and of all parties and groupings in the House. Crucially, he has the confidence of the public, an important clinical record and vast experience. I would like him to remain involved until we implement the recommendations. He has said he would be happy to remain involved for the next 12 months and I would like his reporting mechanism not only to link with me but also to include going before the health committee on a regular basis.

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