Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 63: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has had discussions with the Health Service Executive on the need to involve the community and voluntary sector in the future development of the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12611/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The HSE has reported to my Department that it has started the process of examining the different structures that exist for involving voluntary and consumer interests in the health system. The HSE looks to build on the arrangements that already exist, learn from the experiences of how involvement can be best achieved and develop an improved model of participation for the future.

Pending the full development of the executive's service directorates the structures in each former health board area to support voluntary and community involvement remain under the leadership of a chief officer. The executive has indicated that there will be no change to these arrangements unless or until there is an improved model to replace them. In the context of approving the national service plan submitted by the executive, I pointed to the need to ensure that the strong existing relationships with the non-statutory sector are maintained and supported while the executive's new organisational design is being fully developed.