Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I will do so. This aspect needs further consideration. Section 29 sets out requirements on the drawing up of a corporate plan by the health executive. Section 32 provides for a service plan. However, these plans are nothing new; they existed under the old system but have not been effective. The Bill makes no mention of targets for improved service delivery and better value for money. The service plans must not become paper exercises. They must be dynamic and relevant showing proposals for clear reform with targets on service delivery and service evaluation for patients.

Under the old system, 263 members — 140 from local authorities, 90 from the medical professions and 24 ministerial appointments to the ERHA — represented the health interests of the population. The HSE will consist of 11 members to be appointed by the Minister. There is a clear democratic deficit in that regard. Like us or loathe us as politicians, we, at least, are accountable. We face the electorate every four or five years and they give their verdict on us. There will be no accountability under the new system.

Part 8 provides for public representation and user participation by way of a national health consultative forum, four regional health forums and the establishment of an advisory panel to consult with local communities or other groups on health and personal social services. Public representatives are to be allowed membership of these fora. However, the number of public representatives and from where they will come is not specified. There is grave concern that they will ultimately become talking shops. They will, as far as I am aware, have no executive role. That may look good on paper but it will not provide a better service.

Section 20 provides that the new chief executive officer of the HSE, not the Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, shall be the Accounting Officer. We are concerned about the effect these new structures will have in terms of the lack of accountability by the Minister to the Dáil regarding service delivery to patients. The HSE could well become the NRA of the transport arena. The Minister stated that the HSE will be compelled to attend the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. That sounds find in theory but the Minister will be aware she was due to attend that committee twice in recent weeks but was unable to do for genuine reasons. We will be lucky if they attend the committee once a year.