It will be this summer at the earliest before a system is established to allow local public representatives to be consulted about the running of health services under new structures, the Minister for Health indicated yesterday.
Ms Harney said that, before a process of consulting with representatives at a regional or local level was begun, the new Health Service Executive which has replaced health boards would need to have a chief executive officer.
A person would be appointed to that position within the next two weeks, but it was unclear at this point when the new CEO would be able to take up the position, she added.
Her comments came as the General Council of County Councils complained that local public representatives have had no input as yet.