Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the committee set up to undertake a review of acute health services in the Health Service Executive southern area, will be chaired by a professor already the subject of an investigation by the Higher Education Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36207/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As part of the ongoing Health Reform Programme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has conducted a number of reviews and analyses of key areas of service provision.

The review of acute hospital services in HSE South is critical to defining the strategic context for acute hospitals in the region. This review will identify an overall model of acute hospital services for HSE South and will particularly focus in on the best configuration of acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry.

The HSE has put in place a Steering Group to provide oversight of the review process. An external consultancy will be commissioned to prepare an independent report. The Steering Group has assigned a Project Group, chaired by the President of University College Cork, to monitor project direction and progress and to facilitate communication between the external consultancy and the HSE. Members of the project group will support the appointed consultants, ensure timely provision of supporting information and data and facilitate access to appropriate stakeholders where necessary.

The HSE considers that the members of the Project Group bring a wide range of relevant experience to this review and looks forward to the outcome of the review process.

Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the opening of three purpose built residential units (details supplied) in County Limerick, despite the fact that the units were built at a cost of over €1 million three years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36210/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.