1061. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a standardised governance framework exists for all non-statutory bodies in receipt of Exchequer funding across her Department and its agencies; and if not, whether there are plans to introduce a uniform minimum governance standard. [29862/26]

The All Island Institute of Public Health (IPH) is the only non-statutory body that receives funding directly by the Department.  This is due to its specific nature as an all island body that was set up prior to the signing of the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement in 1998.  The IPH provides support on public health policy to the respective Departments of Health and Chief Medical Officers in both jurisdictions.

Given that the IPH is the only such body in receipt of Exchequer funding directly from the Department of Health and the governance arrangements for the body are bespoke to take into account that it operates on an all-island basis and is a Company Limited by Guarantee, there is no requirement to have a standardised governance framework across the Department for such bodies. There are no plans to introduce such a uniform minimum governance standard.