Board resignation a step towards greater transparency and accountability
Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed the move by the Minister for Health, James Reilly, to ask the board of the HSE to stand down, saying it is the first step in the Minister’s plan to overhaul and reform the health service.
“The decision by Minister Reilly to ask the board of the HSE to resign is the beginning of a process that will see the health service reformed and the Health Minister becoming accountable to the Dáil instead of fobbing responsibility off to the HSE. This means that issues relating to Cork health services can, and will, be brought directly to the Minister’s attention.
“The necessity to restructure the health service, so that it becomes more accountable, efficient and equitable for all, has been a long time coming. This is one of the pillars that Fine Gael stood for in the recent general election and such decisive action by the Minister so early in his tenure, is to be welcomed.
“I would like to note the contribution of Dr Frank Dolphin, who will stay on in an acting role until the end of the year, for the work done since his appointment as Chairman of the HSE last August.
“This change is the beginning of the implementation of the health strategy which is clearly set out in the Programme for Government. This strategy will see the introduction of the universal social insurance model which will end the two tier system that is currently in place and will treat people based on their medical needs and not the money in their pocket.
“This progressive move is one that should be welcomed by the people of Cork as services such as cystic fibrosis, chemotherapy and nursing home care will become the direct responsibility of the Minister who, in turn, is accountable to the people through the Oireachtas.”