Health watchdog – Proposals hold much promise

IF any sector of Irish life is in need of a public watchdog, it is the country’s much criticised health service. The spate of scandals and controversies that dogged the service in recent times underlines the need for such a body.

Yet, while the awkwardly named Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has been up-and-running on a statutory footing since May, it’s fair to say little impact has been on the public mind to date.

That’s not to negate the potential importance of this badly-needed watchdog. As is clear from today’s interview with chief executive Dr Tracey Cooper, HIQA holds out much promise.