Health Care Act 2008

The

to ascertain the requirements of the community, or sections of the community, in the field of health and health services and to determine how those requirements should be met to the best advantage of the community;

to plan, implement or support the provision of a system of health services that is comprehensive, co‑ordinated and readily accessible to the public;

to establish health services within the community;

to act to ensure that hospitals established under this Act, or that hospitals or other health services established, maintained or operated by or with the assistance of the Government of the State, are operated in an efficient and economical manner;

to ensure the proper allocation of resources across health services established under this Act;

to ensure that emergency ambulance services are provided in an efficient and effective manner through SAAS;

to promote or support—

research in the field of health and health services, including through the provision of facilities or other forms of support to a university or other institution, authority or person considered to be appropriate by the Minister; and

the collection of data, statistics and other information in relation to health and health services; and

the provision of education, instruction or training in professional or other fields associated with health and the provision of health services;

to promote and encourage the participation of volunteers in the provision of health services;

to disseminate information and knowledge for the benefit of the health of the public;

to establish mechanisms to keep the policies and standards of health and health services developed by the Department under evaluation and review;

to promote a positive relationship between the public, private and other health sectors;

to provide and maintain such services or facilities as another Minister may request in connection with the field of veterinary science;

such other functions assigned to the Minister by or under this or any other Act, or considered by the Minister to be relevant to the operation of this or any other relevant Act.

The

performing the functions of the Minister under this Act; or

administering this Act; or

furthering the objects of this Act.

The