Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposal put forward by Irish Rural Link that a rural health strategy is urgently needed; her views on such a strategy; if she will provide resources toward implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27928/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The National Health Strategy Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You was announced by the Government in 2001 to provide vision and strategic direction for the health and personal social services. The Strategy sets out the key objectives for the health system up to the year 2010, which are centred on four national goals:

∙Better Health For Everyone

∙Fair Access

∙Responsive and Appropriate Care Delivery

∙High Performance.

The Health Strategy is now in its sixth year of ongoing implementation and I do not see a need for a rural health strategy as proposed by Irish Rural Link.

The Health Act, 2004 sets out in broad terms the performance framework for the Health Service Executive (HSE) which was established on 1st January, 2005, as a corner stone of the Health Reform Programme. As part of the performance framework, the HSE must submit to the Tánaiste, for approval, a Corporate Plan and an Annual Service Plan. The HSE corporate plan for 2005-2008 commits it "to develop a consistent approach to access to service throughout the country, based on identified need". The service plan format is currently being revised within the Department. The 2007 Plan will, very specifically, include a section devoted to Consistency and Social Inclusion which is to contain details of initiatives being pursued by the HSE to ensure, amongst other things, a geographical equity in the provision of services.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure Irish Rural Link that the achievement of consistency in the standard and range of services available in each region of the country is a key objective of the health service reforms.