Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy in connection with the original information requested and to investigate why a response did not issue to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 8 July 2004.

The Health Service Executive has recently established a parliamentary affairs division. A key function of this division involves the making of arrangements to respond to queries raised in parliamentary questions that are appropriate for direct reply by the executive, having regard to its object and functions under the Health Act 2004. I will shortly make regulations under section 79 of the Act in regard to the conduct by the executive of its dealings with Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. I am keen to ensure the executive provides a high quality service to Members of the Oireachtas. My Department is having discussions with the executive to agree appropriate further actions in that regard.

I am satisfied regarding the accountability of the Health Service Executive as provided for under Part VII of the Health Act 2004. In addition to the specific accountability provisions concerned, the executive is currently making provision in its organisational structure and operational processes for the efficient delivery of information to Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.