1063. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether consideration has been given to placing governance requirements for non-statutory bodies receiving public funds on a statutory footing; and if so, to outline any proposals under development. [29864/26]

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.

The governance requirements for the IPH have been agreed in a manner that allows it to comply with its obligations as a Company Limited by Guarantee, and to operate across two separate jurisdictions.  Therefore the specific nature of the IPH requires bespoke governance arrangements.  In this context no consideration has been given to placing the IPH on a statutory footing, and therefore no proposals to that effect are under development.