Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Section 13 obliges the HSE to maintain records with regard to assessment and services provided under Part 2 to inform service planning. The HSE is also required to present an annual report outlining service needs timeframes within which such services would ideally be provided and the sequence of such provision.

I introduced a Government amendment in the Dáil that will ensure the collection of specific information to enable the quantification of needs which are not being met by service provision. This information will enable the HSE to review the way in which resources are allocated to ensure maximum beneficial output can be achieved. Accordingly, the Bill as passed by the Dáil requires that the report to the Minister will be provided within a set timescale of six months and that it will also include information on the likely cost of meeting service needs.

I seek to further amend the section in this House so that the HSE will be required to furnish additional information with regard to the number of people awaiting assessments and services. These changes respond to further concerns that the DLCG expressed to the Taoiseach and I when we met the group on 25 May.

I am also pleased to table Government amendment No. 28, which requires the HSE to publish the report on assessment and service provision within a month of its submission to the Minister. This change is in response to a proposal made by the DLCG at its recent meeting with the Taoiseach and to points made to me during the Dáil debate which I have had time to consider.

These changes represent substantial development in the scope of the reporting arrangements envisaged in the Bill. The arrangements will provide a transparent means of future planning for service development and delivery to facilitate a progressive response to service needs. The revised provision will enable greater efficiency and management of resources which will be reflected in improved service levels on the ground. The Bill already captures the principles sought by Senator Terry in amendment No. 27. Indeed, the Government amendments go beyond what is envisaged by the Senator's proposal. I express my appreciation to Senator Terry for this amendment.