Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader seek clarity on an issue I have raised in this House regarding the Health Service Executive and the reimbursement prices to pharmacists? As late as last night I was advised that the HSE has deferred the implementation date of 1 December 2007 for the new reimbursement prices. When I contacted pharmacists I learned they were unaware of this deferral. This decision is unacceptable. All the HSE has said is that the decision has been deferred to a later date. I ask that clarity be sought from the HSE on whether it agrees that an independent chair be appointed, as I have sought, to work out an appropriate negotiation and on when such talks will commence.

I wish to raise an issue which has been referred to by many speakers, that is, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive. I have said previously that there is a great deal of confusion about who is responsible for what. I asked if we could have a briefing document. My understanding is that the Department of Health and Children is the policy Department and the Health Service Executive must ensure the provision of service. In regard to Senator O'Toole's point, the HSE is the issue.

We have moved from a situation of 14 health boards which had local democratic input by way of local public representatives who were doing a pretty good job. I accept there may have been room for improvement but to go from 14 health boards to an executive simply has not worked. I have stated that so far as I am concerned, the jury is out on the HSE but it is time to deliver the verdict because I believe the HSE is not working.

Would it be possible for the Leader to indicate if we have the power under standing orders to call the HSE before a sub-committee or a committee of this House and, if so, could he advise me how to go about it?