Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a consultant's report from management consultants (details supplied); and if there is a recommendation to regionalise the Health Service Executive. [13426/08]

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to introduce a more regional structure for the Health Service Executive with greater autonomy in managing budgets for four regional divisions. [13453/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 117 together.

I am aware that the Health Service Executive has commissioned the firm of management consultants referred to by the Deputy to undertake a review of the Executive's management structures and delivery systems. I understand that the review is still ongoing.

The Deputy will be aware that I recently received the report from Mr John Fitzgerald in relation to the decision to suspend breast radiology services in Portlaoise Hospital. This report has identified that the problems arose fundamentally from systemic weaknesses of governance, management and communications within the HSE in dealing with the situation which arose in Portlaoise. I have asked the Board to consider whether the lessons arising from the systemic weaknesses of governance and management which have been identified in relation to the events at Portlaoise have wider application across the HSE. To this end, the Chairman of the Board of the HSE and I have discussed the need to optimise the HSE's operational capability by addressing issues such as: robust governance and management structures, processes and procedures; clear reporting relationships and lines of accountability; having permanent top level managers in key posts; good systems of delegation; and a strong sense of corporate identity which permeates all levels of the organisation.

I have asked the Board to consider these wider aspects and to let me have its assessment of the overall situation as a matter of urgency, and its proposals to address matters, as soon as possible