Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the future management of Mayo General Hospital in the context of his proposed restructuring of hospital groups; the impact of his proposals on services at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41706/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The creation of hospital groups and trusts is at the heart of the Government’s reforms of the acute hospital sector. It is an important stepping stone towards the introduction of universal health insurance which is the ultimate destination of the Government's reform programme. As a first step on that journey, hospitals will be aligned within groups on an administrative basis. Each Group will have a single consolidated management team with responsibility for performance and outcomes, within a clearly defined budget and employment ceiling.

In June 2012, the Minister announced the appointment of Professor John R Higgins to work with the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) in the role of Chair of a Strategic Board to assist the Department of Health in the design and establishment of Hospital Groups. As Chair, he will have a key role in progressing the creation of Hospital Groups initially and, ultimately, Independent Hospital Trusts. The Project Group led by Professor John Higgins has carried out a comprehensive consultation process with all acute hospitals and other key advocacy groups which have requested an opportunity to be consulted. In addition, a significant number of submissions have been received by the Project Group. The consultation process has continued through the summer and will conclude later this month.

Criteria for the formation of Hospital Groups and proposed groups arising from these criteria will be identified by the Project Group. A Strategic Board is being established to consider the findings and proposals of the Project Group prior to their submission to the Minister and, subsequently, to Government. The submission to Government is planned to take place before the end of the year.

The Board will also have an ongoing role in overseeing the implementation of proposals in relation to Hospital Groups approved by Government. It is scheduled to have its first meeting in early October.

No decision has been taken yet in relation to what hospital group Mayo General Hospital Castlebar will belong. The final decision on potential Groups will be a matter for the Government to decide.