Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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An Independent Review Group (IRG) was established in July 2017 to examine the role of voluntary organisations in publicly funded health and personal social services. The IRG was composed of Dr Catherine Day (Chair of the group), Prof Jane Grimson and Prof Deirdre Madden.

The IRG was established to examine current arrangements with regard to the role of voluntary agencies in the provision of services across the health and social care sector; to consider the issues currently arising, and those that are likely to arise in the future; and to make recommendations on how the relationship between the State and voluntary organisations should evolve in the future.

As part of its work the IRG examined a wide range of issues, conducted a public consultation process, and met with a number of key stakeholders as well as experts from a number of other countries.

The Review Group has submitted its report to me and it is currently under consideration within my Department. I intend to bring it to Government in the coming weeks.