Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to proceed with the national client index project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33025/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I take it the Deputy is referring to the concept of the national client index project as used primarily by HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service to support the management of the scheme systems in regard to on-line validation and eligibility for client services. Work currently being done by the HSE on the development of a national client index will be an essential building block in the process of uniquely identifying clients to provide health services effectively and ensure patient safety. A key issue for the health services is the ability to identify patients across different ICT systems such as the GP referrals system, Integrated Patient Management System and the National Integrated Medical Imaging System, as well as many other systems. The potential of such an approach allows for the sharing of data and the integration of systems to underpin the delivery of services thus ensuring that providers can deliver systems in an operating environment which is safe and efficient.

My Department is examining the issue of unique patient identification in the context of wider public service initiatives in identity management and the deployment of the public services identity card to leverage the most cost effective way of delivering this. It is accepted that the core principles of good information governance, including patient privacy, confidentiality and safety, must be at the centre of all deliberations. The approach must also support the requirements of the Data Protection Acts and the Health Information and Quality Authority. Universal Health Insurance, linked to money following the patient, is a central element of the health reform agenda set out in the Programme for Government. A prerequisite for the implementation of such a system of health insurance is patient centric data clearly identifying clients. My Department is currently working on legislation, to be published next year which will underpin the use of information in the health sector.