Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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434. To ask the Minister for Health when the 2019 HSE service plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43647/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As provided for under legislation (Health Act 2004 as amended), my Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation for 2019 not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services.  The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its Service Plan for 2019 for my approval.  The Health Act allows me to extend the period provided to the HSE to prepare, adopt and submit its Service Plan, if required.  I understand that work is already underway within the HSE on the 2019 National Service Plan and I can state that the letter of determination issued from my Department on 17th October, 2018.

Following the submission of the draft National Service Plan, the legislation provides 21 days for me to examine the proposed plan and where necessary to seek amendment to, or approve, the plan.  The National Service Plan must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the HSE will ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.