Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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145. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered the appointment of a chief social care officer for social care services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7727/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Public Service Management Act, the Secretary General of the Department of Health has the authority, responsibility and accountability for a range of functions, including the assignment of staff within an appropriate structure to facilitate an effective response to matters that pertain to the Department, while ensuring cost effective public services.

As part of a review of its structure to meet its strategic priorities, the Department is considering arrangements for incorporating relevant expert advice for its policy work on a multi-disciplinary basis. The review is ongoing and as such, no decision has been made on any particular Units which may be established, but there are no plans at the present time to establish a post of Chief Social Care Officer.