John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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90. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to put on a statutory footing hospital group boards not currently on a statutory footing; and the reason for the delay in this regard. [27655/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The establishment of Hospital Groups represents a very significant reform of our hospital services. Hospital Groups continue to be implemented on an administrative basis and, until legislation is advanced, will continue to operate within the existing policy and accountability frameworks of the Department of Health and the HSE.

I have been clear since the Committee on the Future of Healthcare commenced its work that I would not advance major structural reforms until it had reported out of respect for the process. It is vital that we now allow time to reflect and deliberate on the findings of the Committee. I look forward to the Dáil debate on the report later this week and I will give full consideration to the report’s recommendations when I have had the opportunity to hear views from across the Dáil.