Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health the plans in place to introduce a unique health identifier as recommended by HIQUA; if a decision has been taken to develop a healthcare focused identifier rather than utilising the PPS number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47986/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Information Bill, which is currently being drafted, willprovide a legal framework for the use of identifiers in the health system, both public and private. The deployment of a patient identifier is very important to the provision of a safe, efficient health system and will also support the move towards universal health insurance. The Bill is expected to be ready for publication next year. While various options are currently being examined it is intended that the health identifier will leverage the existing identity infrastructure administered by the Minister for Social Protection, including the Public Services Card which is currently being deployed by that Department. My Department is engaging with all relevant stakeholders including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Data Protection Commissioner and the Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to this matter.