Harney announces Health Authority funding

Minister for Health Mary Harney today announced funding for the interim Health Information and Quality Authority over the next three years.

The resources will go to six new research projects being undertaken in Ireland’s health services.

“This research will inform the Authority’s work of ensuring that world class, quality standards are applied in Ireland's health and personal social services - across the public, private and voluntary sectors,” said Harney. “The Research Awards announced today reflect the diverse nature of the Authority’s work and include research in areas such as cancer screening, general practice, the disability sector and hospital and community care.”

Chairperson of the Authority, Pat McGrath, said: “A very large number of excellent project proposals were submitted to the Authority. I would like to express my thanks to all the applicants and my congratulations to the successful ones. We in the Authority look forward to working closely with them over the next three years.”

Dr Tracey Cooper, CEO of the interim Authority said: “The new Health Information and Quality Authority has a very extensive remit. Our work will span the entire health service from promoting and implementing structured programmes of quality assurance; overseeing accreditation; developing health technology assessment, evaluating health information and reviewing and reporting on selected services every year.

“It is critical that our work is informed by the most extensive and up to date research available, whether that research is conducted in Ireland or internationally”.

The Health Information and Quality Authority will be established under the Health Bill 2006, which is currently before the Dáil.

The new Authority will be established on a statutory basis within the next few months, once the health bill legislation is passed.

In the meantime, the interim Authority is funding of the research projects announced today, to ensure that it will be in a position to commence its work immediately the legislation is passed.