Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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88. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the proposed creation of hospital trusts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30645/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The establishment of Hospital Groups represents a very significant reform of our hospital services. As I have stated previously, I intend to continue to implement Hospital Groups on an administrative basis.

An Oireachtas All-Party Committee has been established to develop a single long-term vision for healthcare over a 10 year period. It is important that those discussions are progressed before we give further consideration to the issue of establishing Hospital Groups on a legislative basis.

Until the legislation is advanced, Hospital Groups will continue to operate within the existing policy and accountability frameworks of the Department of Health and the HSE.