Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be speaking on Amendments Nos. 2, 11 to 18, inclusive, 21 to 23, inclusive, 26 to 28, inclusive, and 31 to 33, inclusive, from the Dáil. Most of these are consequential to amendments Nos. 11 and 21, which strengthen the roles and responsibilities of the Board and chief executive.

Amendment No. 21 requires the chief executive to ensure that appropriate systems, procedures and practices are in place for certain purposes. Amendment No. 11 requires the board to satisfy itself that these systems, procedures and practices are in place and appropriate. The board must be satisfied in regard to systems to achieve the HSE's object, which is to use the resources available to it in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.

Amendment No. 21 sets out the role of the chief executive in respect of compliance with Government or ministerial policies, whether set out in codes, guidelines or other documents. The chief executive must ensure that the appropriate systems, procedures and practices are in place. As well as the provisions I have set out, Senators will note that amendment No. 11 also requires the board to establish and implement arrangements to manage the performance of the chief executive.

Amendments Nos. 12 to 18, inclusive, 26 to 28, inclusive, and 31 to 33, inclusive, are technical amendments to the Bill arising out of amendments proposed relating to the functions of the board. They amend section references.

Amendments Nos. 2 and 26 to 28, inclusive, are also consequential to amendments Nos. 11 and 21 and are intended to ensure consistency of language in the Health Act 2004 where reference is made to Government policies.

Seanad Report Stage amendment No. 6a is a new and related technical amendment. This is a purely technical amendment to change the name of section 16P from "Role of the Board" to "Functions of the Board" to better reflect the language in the Bill.