Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1152. To ask the Minister for Health if he has provided the promised memo to Cabinet in respect of Sláinte Care; and the position in respect of the establishment of an implementation office to give effect to the proposals in the plan. [36654/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I supported the establishment of the All-Party Committee on the Future of Healthcare and have consistently supported its work, which I firmly believe can provide a once in a generation opportunity to transform our health services.

I have welcomed the publication of the Committee’s report, which 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. I have also listened to the various views expressed during the recent Dáil debate on the report. During this debate, the level of agreement and support for the broad vision and strategic direction outlined in the report was clearly evident, but so too was the acknowledgement and the understanding of the complexity and challenges involved in implementation.

I have briefed Government colleagues on the report. It is my intention now to move forward as a matter of urgency with putting in place the necessary structures and processes, including personnel, to undertake the development of a detailed response and plan, which will be submitted for the approval of Government later in the year. I expect that Government will give further consideration to these matters very shortly.