Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

29. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to be in a position to implement the recommendations of the Sláintecare report; the timeframe for same; if a specific audit is intended to identify deficiencies in the delivery of health services in general with particular reference to the identification of such issues thereby ensuring a more efficient and effective delivery of services in the future with consequential benefit for patients and staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to making tangible and sustainable improvements in our health services and the Sláintecare report now provides a framework and a direction of travel to do this. As part of its work, the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare undertook significant consultation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders to enable it to consider all relevant issues, to understand the national and international evidence and to reflect the experience of those involved in, working in and using health services. We have a level of consensus and support for the vision and strategic direction outlined in the report that is unprecedented. I am determined to harness this and to work with colleagues across the political spectrum and with all stakeholders to move forward now on this very important agenda.

The Government has already given its approval to move ahead with the establishment of a Sláintecare programme office. This office will be tasked with implementing a programme of reform, as agreed by Government, arising from the Sláintecare Report.

In parallel, work is underway in my Department to develop a detailed response to the report for consideration by Government in December.

We all know that there will be significant challenges to overcome in what will need to be a deep and systemic change in our healthcare system. But we don’t have a choice. And we need to begin this change process now. This is one of the key priorities for the Government, and the focus now must be on ensuring that the implementation phase is properly designed and that a clear implementation plan is developed as quickly as possible.