Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 175: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the National Health Consultative Forum will be convened; the proposed composition of the forum; if she will provide for representation for persons in Northern Ireland on the forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28893/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Section 41 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the convening of a National Health Consultative Forum to advise me, in my capacity as Minister, on matters relating to the provision of health and personal social services as defined in the Act.

This forum will replace the National Consultative Forum on the Health Strategy which has been convened annually since 2002. The strategy forum will be held in December this year. The strategy forum participants are primarily drawn from senior management in the health system, the voluntary sector, patient and client groups, service providers, trade unions, professional bodies, Departments and other sectoral interests.

My Department is currently preparing a ministerial order in regard to the membership, rules and procedures of the National Health Consultative Forum. While its composition has yet to be decided by me, it is envisaged, having regard to the provisions of the Act, that its membership will be on similar lines to the existing strategy forum.