Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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403. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent publication of a code by an organisation (details supplied); if this code has no standing in publicly funded hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39787/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that care provided in publicly funded hospitals is delivered is in accordance with current laws and regulations. Publicly funded health service providers have a statutory responsibility to comply with the provisions of health legislation. The HSE has signed detailed service arrangements with health service providers to ensure people in Ireland can access safe, compassionate and quality care when they need it.

The Deputy may wish to note that an Independent Review Group has been established by me to examine the role of voluntary organisations in publicly funded health and personal social services. Its work covers voluntary organisations providing services across a range of areas, and the overall relationship between these voluntary organisations and the State.

The terms of reference of the Independent Review Group set out that the group shall "Outline the issues which, in the view of the Review Group, arise at present from the model of providing services to the public in the area of health and social care through voluntary organisations, and any particular issues arising in connection with providing services through religious or faith-based organisations."

The Independent Review Group is in the final stages of its work and is expected to submit its final report shortly.