Martin publishes legislation for reform of health service

The Minister for Health, Micheál Martin, has published legislation, which will begin the reform of the structure of the health service.

The Health Amendment Bill 2004, will end the role of the elected members of the seven health boards, the ERHA and its three area health boards.

The functions of the board members are to be taken over the by Chief Executive Officers of the boards and the authority.

Minister Martin said it's an interim measure pending the full restructuring of the health boards, which should be ready at the end of the year.

The minister is also promising to address the issue of democratic input by setting up a forum for public representatives to give their views.

However, Fine Gael's Dan Neville said he believes this measure would be no more than a talking shop.