Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to introduce regulations similar to SI 798 of 2005, with particular reference to timescales for answering parliamentary questions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2321/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Prior to the establishment of the Health Service Executive, parliamentary questions concerning access to services by individuals or in specific geographic areas were referred to the chief executive officer of the relevant health board for direct reply. Pursuant to the Health Act 2004, the functions of the health boards were transferred to the HSE. The HSE has established a parliamentary affairs division, PAD, which provides a central contact for all Oireachtas requests for information relating to matters within the statutory remit of the executive. I have recently issued an information note to Members of the Oireachtas outlining the arrangements in place within the HSE to deal with information requests, including matters raised in parliamentary questions.

The PAD aims to provide replies within 20 working days from the date of a parliamentary question. It will issue interim replies in cases where it is not in a position to provide the information within 20 working days. It is committed to reducing this period as the HSE develops its organisational and information capacity and it will make every effort to provide more immediate responses in instances where the information sought is of a routine nature or is readily available.

Section 79 of the Health Act 2004 provides for the Health Service Executive to conduct its dealings with members of either House of the Oireachtas in accordance with regulations. The Health Act 2004 (Dealings with Members of either House of the Oireachtas) Regulations 2005, SI No. 798 of 2005, were made on 12 December 2005 and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 14 December 2005. These regulations give specific directions to the HSE with regard to its dealings with Members of the Oireachtas. I do not intend to amend the current regulations or make new regulations at this point in time.