Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Health when a Sláintecare implementation plan will be brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17090/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, I supported the work of the All-Party Committee on the Future of Healthcare and I welcomed the publication of the Sláintecare Report. The Report represents a significant milestone in the history of health services development in Ireland, and I intend to harness the consensus generated by the Report to move forward with a programme of health reform. The Government is committed to making tangible improvements in our health service and the Sláintecare Report provides the direction of travel for this.

To that end, work is at an advanced stage in my Department in developing a Sláintecare Implementation Plan. This Plan will translate the Sláintecare Report into a detailed programme of reform over the next 10 years, with a focus on the immediate years ahead. I expect to bring these proposals to Government very shortly. Furthermore, Government gave approval last year to the establishment of a dedicated Sláintecare programme office in my Department and the recruitment of an Executive Director to lead this office. This recruitment process will conclude in the coming weeks.