Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 269: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether she is creating a management vacuum at the centre of the senior management systems in place in the health services with the establishment of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and where the chief executive officer operates two distinct lines of managers in two different locations, and the risks this causes good corporate management if the present chief executive officer were to leave his post for any reason with no full-time deputy chief executive officer present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6891/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I would remind the Deputy that, as provided for in the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive, HSE, has taken over responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services from the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the health boards and a number of other specified agencies. This single structure facilitates a more streamlined and effective organisational management system for the health service.

Organisational structures within the HSE are a matter for the chief executive officer and the board of the executive itself. I am advised by the HSE that it does not operate two distinct lines of managers in two different locations. The executive has three defined interdependent functional areas — health services, support services and reform and innovation. At its centre are three health service delivery units: primary, community and continuing care, PCCC; the National Hospitals Office, NHO; and population health.

The services delivered by the PCCC and NHO are organised through the same four administrative areas: western, southern, Dublin-north and Dublin-mid-Leinster. Personnel in these areas have a direct reporting line to their national office. Support services have a local presence in these four areas as required and personnel report directly to their national office. The HSE considers that this configuration of administrative areas will promote seamless integration between the three health service delivery units, while maintaining national consistency.

Under section 18(3) of the Health Act 2004, the board may appoint an employee from time to time to perform the functions of the chief executive officer when the chief executive officer is absent or the position is vacant.

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 270: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if Comhairle na nOspidéal is still functioning as a separate body within the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6892/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In line with section 57 of the Health Act 2004, the functions of Comhairle na nOspidéal were transferred to the Health Services Executive on its establishment on 1 January 2005. I requested the members of Comhairle na nOspidéal to remain in position under the national hospitals office during 2005 to complete outstanding reports. As the functions of Comhairle na nOspidéal have transferred to the Health Services Executive my Department has forwarded your question to the parliamentary affairs division for direct reply.