Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the cost to date since their establishment of the regional health forums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28868/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Section 42 of the Health Act 2004 provided for the setting up of a system of four Regional Health Forums. The forums were established with effect from 1 January 2006 under the Health Act 2004 (Regional Health Forums) Regulations 2005, SI No. 797 of 2005. The function of each forum is to make such representation to the Executive as the forum considers appropriate on the range and operation of health and personal social services provided within its functional area. Each forum meets six times a year. Each forum has two committees which meet four times a year. The Health Service Executive provides the necessary administrative services to enable the forums to perform their functions as required by the Act. Meetings are held on HSE premises. The Executive pays approved travelling and subsistence allowances to members of the forums in respect of each meeting of a forum or committee in accordance with the regulations. A summary of expenses paid to forum members for each of the regional forums in respect 2006 and 2007 is set out in the table that follows this reply. My Department has been advised by the HSE that details of expenses for 2008 are not yet available.