Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to initiate a periodic review of legislation to improve patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18310/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the implementation of an advisory charter of patients' rights similar to the European charter of patient rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18311/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to progressively introduce patient guarantees of what people can expect from their health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18312/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to bring forward and implement recommendations of the Commission on Patient Safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18313/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 195, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I established a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance in January last year. The overall objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure the quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. The Commission has been asked to develop proposals for ensuring clear responsibility among senior management and clinical leaders within the health system for performance in relation to quality and patient safety. In addition, one of its terms of reference is to specifically examine and make recommendations in relation to a statutory system of licensing for public and private health care providers and services.

Membership of the Commission is made up of medical and nursing representatives, management representatives and representatives of patients and carers. The Commission is due to report on its proposals by July 2008.

As part of the process involved in considering the proposals of the Commission, a legislative review of the area of patient safety and quality will be undertaken to establish what changes may be necessary to give effect to the Commission's recommendations. The Commission is also examining and making recommendations on the participation of patients and carers and support staff in engaging with health care providers on health services planning and the quality of care received. In line with this engagement with patients and carers I intend to ensure that the safety of patients and the delivery of high quality in healthcare services will be at the forefront of any legislative change.