I wish to raise the question of recruitment of a new director general for the HSE and promised legislation. As has been said, Sláintecare recommends several items of accountability legislation pertaining to reinstating the independent board and ensuring accountability for the Minister, senior managers and clinicians. Would it not make sense to hold off on appointing a new director general until such time as that new legislation is in place? Can the Government clarify what the timescale is for that legislation?

I believe we are due to discuss the issues regarding Sláintecare and health reform at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health tomorrow. The HSE board legislation will go to Cabinet next week and with the consent and the assistance of the House, I hope we can pass that legislation very quickly. The progress and timelines of the other important Bills will be outlined in the implementation plan for Sláintecare, which I hope to bring to Government very shortly. I take the point the Deputy makes. I am not sure whether we can hold off on appointing a director general of the HSE but we can certainly appoint a director general who will become a CEO once there is a board in full knowledge of the changes that are coming down the tracks. I would be happy to give that further consideration.