Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 269: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the amalgamation of health boards into the Health Service Executive will result in equal access to services such as front line speech therapy and occupational therapy, the availability of which varies considerably depending on where the applicant seeking the therapy is based; the instruction she has given to the Health Service Executive regarding the provision of such front line therapies and the appointment of staff; if the Health Service Executive is limited in its ability to appoint new staff as a result of an embargo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28998/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Equal access for equal need is a core value for the delivery of publicly funded services including access in terms of timing and geographic location and is a key principle of the national health strategy. The establishment of the Health Service Executive, arising from the rationalisation of the health boards and other health service agencies under the health service reform programme, has reduced fragmentation in the health system and is aimed at achieving consistency in service delivery across the country.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of therapies. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the HSE to reply directly regarding the issue of staffing levels.