Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health his assessment of the new Health Service Executive regional service plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13838/13]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health in view of the staff cuts in a number of sectors, the way the new Health Service Executive regional service plans will deliver improved services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13858/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 64 together.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive must prepare a service plan and submit it to me for my approval following publication of the Estimates. The National Service Plan which was submitted to me in December sets out the quantum and type of health services to be provided in 2013 within the overall level of funding provided. In accordance with the Act I approved the National Service Plan and laid a copy of the plan before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 9th January this year. Subsequently, the Executive prepared and published its the Operational Plan and Regional Service Plans which underpin the National Service Plan at the end of February. The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of services set out in these Regional Plans and to ensure that services are delivered within budget. The Director General Designate of the HSE, Tony O'Brien, has provided full briefing on the Regional Service Plans to the Regional Fora.