Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All of the above amendments relate to the appointment process of board members. The Bill provides that all members are appointed by the Minister for Health and, in the interests of securing the necessary skills and experience on the board, board members will be appointed on the basis of competencies, experience or expertise deemed relevant to the body's functions.

The integration of the three children’s hospitals into one new entity is a major change programme, with significant cultural and operational factors. The three children’s hospitals coming together have been at the forefront of paediatric healthcare. Each has demonstrated enormous commitment to, and has established a strong track record and a proud tradition in, the provision of healthcare services to children and young people in Ireland. As such, the three hospitals are key stakeholders in this project and their agreement and support are fundamental to a successful transition.

In drafting this legislation, we have been conscious of the need to achieve the integration of the three hospitals in a way which respects the values and cultures of each. One such example is the appointment of board members. Accordingly, the Bill provides that there is a role for the board in the appointment of board members, as is currently the case in the children’s hospitals. Accordingly, while all are to be appointed by the Minister, the board of the new entity will nominate eight of the 12 board members and the election by the board of the chairman of the board.

This is a public body created by statute and it is usual that State board appointments would be overseen by the relevant Minister, as is provided for here. The appointment by the Minister is normal practice and I do not see any reason to deviate from this. To require the board to be appointed by the Oireachtas would be unwieldy, requiring approval of both Houses and of the President.There is no precedent for how this would work.

The board provided for in the Bill will become the first board of the new hospital as soon as the legislation is commenced. Senators know that the three boards are to be combined, and there is to be continuity on the three hospitals coming together.