Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on calls for a national audit system to allow for statistical comparison between hospitals around the country to monitor for anything that may be amiss; her further views on the need for collection and publication of national and regional statistics on procedures and outcomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6253/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Bill 2006, which is currently before the Oireachtas, provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). This Bill represents a crucial element of the Reform Programme and is a new departure for the health services. For the first time, we are creating a body whose purpose will be to set quality standards and monitor enforcement of standards in an open and transparent way. It is essential that mechanisms and structures are in place to audit that quality together with an independent system for continuous performance review to ensure consistently high standards.

The functions of the Authority will be to:

Set standards on safety and quality for all services provided by the HSE and service providers on behalf of the HSE, and private nursing homes, with the exception of mental health services which are covered by the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health.

Monitor compliance with the standards it sets and advise the Minister and the HSE on the level of compliance.

Undertake investigations as to the safety, quality and standards of services where the Minister believes that there is serious risk to the health or welfare of a person receiving services.

Carry out reviews to ensure best outcomes/value for money for the resources available to the HSE.

Operate accreditation programmes of health and personal social services in both the private and public health sectors.

Carry out assessments of health technologies, including drugs and medical devices.

Evaluate information available on services provided by the HSE and other service providers and on the health and welfare of the population, identify information deficiencies, and advise the HSE and the Minister accordingly.

Set standards (including governance arrangements) for the HSE and service providers in relation to information and data in their possession on health and personal social services and on the health and welfare of the population and advise the Minister and the HSE on the level of compliance with the standards.

I am confident that, working with the HSE, HIQA will play a key role in improving the quality of hospital services and outcomes for patients.