FG critical of delay in setting up regional health forums

A GOVERNMENT pledge to provide public forums for local representatives to raise concerns about the health service has not been fulfilled a year after it was made.

Former Health Minister Micheál Martin promised a series of regional forums in September last year to allay concerns that local grievances would no longer be heard with the abolition of the health boards. They were to act as substitutes for health board monthly meetings where elected representatives traditionally aired concerns about local health services.

“A primary rationale for this structure is to enable meaningful and sustained dialogue and consultation between the Health Service Executive and the public at local level, through the regional fora,” Mr Martin said. Yesterday, a number of TDs, including Junior Environment Minister Batt O’Keeffe, criticised the delay in setting up the forums.