Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 326: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for the delivery of services in primary care, medical and surgical facilities, special hospital needs and community services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35694/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The delivery of health services is an operational matter and is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Under section 31 of the Health Act 2004 the executive must prepare and submit to me its service plan for the coming year within 21 days of the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Supply Services for the financial year. The service plan must, among other things, indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the executive for the duration of the plan. This will include the areas of primary, hospital and community and continuing care. Within 21 days of its submission the service plan must be either approved by me or subject to amendment requested by me. The approved service plan must be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of my approval being given.