Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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84. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the setting up of regional bodies consisting of public representatives, the professional stakeholders and patient representatives with a view to restoring a demographic structure throughout the entire country at which the specific issues relative to these particular regions can be discussed in detail, senior representatives of which might then be considered for a national body accountable to him in the context of reorganisation of the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27854/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Committee on the Future of Healthcare published its final report on the 30th May 2017. As part of its report, the Committee has made a series of recommendations in relation to the organisation, leadership and governance structures in our health system, including the potential role for regional bodies to support integrated care.

I have been clear since the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare commenced the development of a long term vision for Ireland's healthcare system that I would not advance major structural reforms until it had reported out of respect for the process. The Committee has now completed its work and I would like to commend it on the significant achievement of developing a future vision, based upon political consensus, for our health services.

The report is the culmination of a year-long process of unprecedented cross-party collaboration, dialogue and engagement and is testament of the desire across the political spectrum and across the broader stakeholder community to work collaboratively to address the challenges in the health service. It is vital that we now allow time to reflect and deliberate on the findings of the Committee. I look forward to the forthcoming Dáil debate on the report and I will give full consideration to the report’s recommendations when I have had the opportunity to hear views from across the Dáil.

The Taoiseach was very clear in his speech to the Dáil last week that delivering real improvements in our health services is a key priority for this Government. He has tasked me with preparing a detailed response to the report including proposed measures and timelines. It is my intention to do so following the Dáil debate and I hope to bring detailed analysis and proposals to Government quickly. I have no doubt that the report will be an essential reference point for all Governments and parties in the fundamental reform of our health services over the next decade.