Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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789. To ask the Minister for Health the consultations undertaken by his Department in 2017 and to date in 2018; the status of these consultations; if the results of these consultations have been published; the way in which the consultations feed into policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36097/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Details of Public consultations for 2018 to date and 2017 are available on the Department's Website at health.gov.ie.  There are no consultations currently open for this Department.

Each consultation undertaken is carried out to address specific issues under consideration by the Department.  Submissions are not generally published as a final report is not usually produced on the consultation itself. 

Consultations inform policy development and or legislation through a variety of means including informing deliberations of working groups tasked with making recommendations to the Minister (e.g. Consultation on Personal Possession of Illegal Drugs) or assisting the Department in implementing Government policy. The Sláintecare Report proposed the geographic alignment of Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations. The consultation on Geographical Alignment of Community Healthcare Organisations and Hospital Groups – Towards Integrated and Person-centred Care was undertaken to assist the Department in considering what actions may be taken, and in a manner which is reflective of the broadest possible range of views from stakeholders and members of the public.

In line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines, those submitting proposals are advised that their submissions are subject to Department are subject to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014 and may be released in response to an FOI request.