Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the controls mechanism retained by her in relation to the spending of the Health Service Executive budget on non-medical consultants who are employed specifically to advise on the running of the health services; the function the advisory councils play; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11964/07]

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

As part of the arrangements for the appointment of Professor Brendan Drumm as Chief Executive Officer, the Board of the HSE agreed that support and advisory resources would be provided for the implementation of the health service reform programme. Section 24 of the Health Act 2004 empowers the HSE to engage such advisers as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions. Any fees due to an adviser so engaged are payable by the HSE out of funds at its disposal.

The Health Act 2004 also sets out the HSE's responsibilities in relation to codes of standards of integrity, conduct and governance. Under Section 35 of the Act, the HSE is obliged to submit a Code of Governance for my approval. A draft Code of Governance was received from the Executive at the end of September 2006. It comprises a suite of documents which make up a Framework for the Corporate and Financial Governance of the HSE. The contents of this Code are being assessed by my Department and discussions are being finalised with other Departments/Offices that have an interest in this issue. I anticipate that the examination of the Code will be completed shortly and I will be in contact with the HSE at that point.

In relation to function of advisory councils, in October 2006, the HSE launched four Expert Advisory Groups (EAGs) to advise on the organisation and development of health and personal social services in the areas of Children, Diabetes, Mental Health and Older People. EAGs provide a central platform within the HSE for clinical and health communities, patients, clients, managers and carers to become actively involved in the development and transformation of specific health and social care services. They provide opportunities for front line professionals to use their knowledge and experience to influence operational policy development within the HSE. They also enable recognised leaders to apply their expertise and, where possible, bring an international perspective to the health transformation programme.

EAGs ensure that the highest international standards of care and best practice and integral to the HSE planning process. In addition, they play a key role in driving integration across the HSE's three service delivery units — National hospitals Office (NHO); Primary, Community and Continuing Care (PCCC) and Population Health and also in promoting national consistency. Each EAG has 20 members and meets on a monthly basis. Since their establishment, each of the Groups have met several times and identified the main issues which they will focus on into the future.