The Taoiseach said there would be consultations with local groups in the implementation of the Hanly report on health services.
Mr Ahern said he had stated, time and again, that project implementation groups would be set up to hear what groups, individuals, community groups, and professional groups had to say.
"That is phase one. In phase two, David Hanly and his group are to look at other areas of the country. That work has not commenced yet. It will take place in the future, but I do not know the timescale on that."
The Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, said that on October 15th, the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, had announced that the Government had endorsed the Hanly report as Government policy, and would implement its full recommendations.
"Last week, the Minister for Defence openly defied the Government's decision not once, not twice but three times, like Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane."
It was time to hear clarity from the head of the Government on the status of the Hanly report.
