James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Work is being undertaken to prepare the necessary detailed job specifications for the planned director posts. Final decisions have not been made regarding recruitment and appointment issues and the terms and conditions of these positions will be in accordance with Government policy and will be subject to the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. However, on top of that, contrary to the statement of the good Senator Norris, this is in keeping with issue around the sunset clause. This is to expedite the appointment of the directorate and the transition period to get us to universal health insurance when the HSE will be no more. Having to spend between six months and a year advertising for the directorate was something on which we made a decision quite a way back in the Department on the advice of the previous Secretary General and the current Secretary General. It is not a case of jobs for the boys and girls. This is intended to put the directorate together quickly and move on with the reforms we need to put in place to bring in universal health insurance.