Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing recommendation 11, point four of a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33808/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Last April the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published its report of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the provision of care to the person concerned in relation to her symptomatic breast disease, the pathology services at Cork University Hospital and symptomatic breast disease services at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

An implementation plan has been developed by the HSE and progress is being monitored on a quarterly basis. The first progress report, covering the period June to August 2008, has recently been published and is available on the HSE's website. In relation to the specific recommendation mentioned by the Deputy, the Consumer Affairs Department of the HSE is currently working with hospital managers on how this recommendation can be given effect to deliver the best outcomes for patients. Workshops to develop patient liaison programmes are being organised to take place before the end of this year.

In addition and as part of my commitment to prioritise the 'patient safety and quality' agenda, I set up the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance. The Commission's Report — 'Building a Culture of Patient Safety' was published on 7th August 2008. The report contains proposals on patient advocacy and suggests appropriate arrangements for the involvement of patients and carers in service planning and evaluation. I am currently considering these recommendations in detail. It is my intention to bring the report, together with an implementation plan, to Government as soon as possible.