Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the Health Service Executive Regional Plan 2012 for Dublin/Mid-Leinster [16262/12]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the Health Service Executive Regional Plan 2012 for Dublin/North-East [16259/12]

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the Health Service Executive Regional Plan 2012 for the West [16261/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 44 and 61 together.

The Regional Service Plans set out the type and volume of service the HSE will provide directly, or through a range of funded agencies, during 2012. In line with the National Service Plan, the Regional Service Plans were prepared in the context of the challenges faced by the health services this year in terms of reduced staffing levels, and a reduced budget, combined with increasing demand for services. The Plans also takes account of additional funding being invested this year in areas such as mental health services, primary care, Fair Deal, the National Clinical Care Programmes and children's services. In line with the Plans, the HSE will minimise the impact on front line services by fast tracking new, innovative and more efficient ways of using reducing resources. New models of care will be introduced across all services, which will treat patients at the lowest level of complexity and provide quality services at the least possible cost. The roll-out of the National Clinical Care Programmes and Special Delivery Unit initiatives will also deliver greater productivity.

My Department continues to work with the HSE to mitigate the impact of retirements and to ensure that the contingency plans are operating satisfactorily and that all critical front line services continue to be delivered across all regions. This includes using the provision of the Public Service Agreement to bring about greater flexibilities in work practices and rosters, and maximising redeployment to achieve more efficient delivery of services. Staff resources will continue to be allocated to areas of greatest priority. Clearly, the need for dynamic and pro-active management of the impact of reduced staffing and budgets will continue throughout the year and in this context, the National and Regional Service Plans will be subject to continuous review.