Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which modern IT is available to the health sector on a par with the best available worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30434/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working with the HSE to develop a strategy for the use of ICT in the health services which it is hoped to publish shortly. While it is recognised that significant investment will be required over the next few years to bring ICT services to a level where they would be on par with the best world wide the current investment in strategic systems will provide a sound building block for future development when funding is more readily available. An important component for the development of information systems will be the publication of a Health Information Bill which my Department hopes to publish early next year. As indicated in the Programme for Government robust information technology systems will be vital to underpin the move to a universal health insurance system model and provide efficiency and effectiveness in delivering health services.