Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Health the person who sanctioned the recent restructuring of the HSE; the process completed to assess this restructuring proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27650/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In August of this year, my Department, with the consent of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), sanctioned in principle, the creation of an additional Deputy Director General post within the HSE. The rationale for this post is to provide more dedicated focus at the most senior level of the HSE on the twin challenges of improved operational performance in our health service on a day to day basis and the planning of a significant programme of change to equip the health service to better meet current and future health challenges. The sanction was conditional on agreement being reached on the terms and conditions attaching to the post. The Department is currently examining draft terms and conditions which will also require the approval of DPER.

Wider changes in the senior management structures within the HSE are a matter in the first instance for the Director General. I understand that an overall objective is to reduce the number of direct reports to the Director General to a more manageable number, without any overall increase in the senior manager complement. Where it is proposed to recruit existing or revised senior roles the approval of my Department and DPER will be required and my Department is currently liaising with the HSE in relation to such proposals.