Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Health when a restructuring of the HSE will take place with a view to greater accountability and influence at regional level including representational status for professionals and public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17353/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Committee on the Future of Healthcare published its report, Sláintecare, last year. This report makes a number of recommendations in relation to improving governance and accountability in the health service, including the establishment of a governing board for the HSE and the establishment of regional bodies to support the delivery of integrated care.

As the Deputy is aware, a range of actions are already being taken in response to the Sláintecare report. Work is at an advanced stage in my Department in developing a Sláintecare Implementation Plan. The 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 have already signalled my support for the Committee's recommendations in relation to governance and accountability and these will form an integral component of the Implementation Plan. I expect to bring this Plan to Government shortly.

The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a governing board for the HSE. Preparatory work is underway and I will bring a Memorandum to Government with a draft General Scheme of a Bill in the coming weeks. My Department has also recently opened a public consultation regarding the geo-alignment of Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations. These actions are important elements of overall proposals in relation to governance and accountability in the health service.