Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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700. To ask the Minister for Health if he will respond to the Troika's observations in relation to the delay in introducing eHealth technologies here; if he will provide an update on developments regarding same; the potential savings expected to be realised from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36425/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Officials from my Department recently met with the Troika who were briefed on the eHealth strategy currently being developed by my Department and the HSE. The strategy is at an advanced stage of development and is currently being evaluated by a wide range of interested stakeholders. It is anticipated that this process will be completed over the next few weeks after which the strategy will be submitted to me for approval.

The eHealth strategy is a high level document setting out the opportunities for the health system and also the wider opportunities for the Irish economy given the strong base that Ireland enjoys in the ICT, Pharma and medical devices industries. The document will set out what eHealth can deliver in a number of areas and also the actions required in realising the eHealth strategy objectives.

There is international evidence to suggest that eHealth deployments within the wider health system can provide significant returns on the initial investment. Additional benefits will accrue in terms of patient safety and administrative efficiencies.