Health Minister Clears Out HSE Board

Minister for Health Dr James Reilly has accepted the resignations of the entire board of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the first move towards abolishing the organization.

The 12-member board offered to resign at the request of the Minister, who said the move was part of a wider reform agenda and did not reflect on the board's members, personally or professionally.

The dramatic surprise development came after a board meeting in Dublin on Thursday last.

Dr Reilly said he hoped the move would lead to greater integration and accountability in the health service, and would make him personally more accountable.

"It will be very clear that the Minister for Health will have direct access to top management of the HSE and department in a unified fashion, will be far more responsible for healthcare and responsible to the Oireachtas and the people through that mechanism," he said.

He said he would pass legislation before the end of the year to abolish the HSE board, and once that was complete, a new corporate governance will be put in place in the health service.

In the meantime, an interim board of top-level Department of Health and HSE officials will be appointed.

Dr Frank Dolphin, who has been asked to remain on as Chairman of the HSE Board, said: 'This is an important initial step on the road towards implementing changes in how healthcare is delivered in Ireland.'

HSE chief executive Cathal Magee will retain control of the finances.

Dr Reilly is the first Minister for Health in recent times to have direct experience working in the Irish health service.

He worked as a family doctor and as a non-consultant hospital doctor.

He is a former president of the doctors' representative body, the Irish Medical Organization.

"I didn't get into politics for spin or the appearance of changing things. I want real change. I am determined to make that change happen," he said.

"I know in the past I have had the opportunity to talk the talk and now I have the opportunity to walk the walk. And I will walk that walk."