Opposition parties have expressed scepticism about a Government-sponsored audit that could see extensive restructuring of the health service.
Fine Gael spokesperson on health and children Ms Olivia Mitchell has called for immediate publication of the audit.
Speaking to ireland.comtoday, Ms Mitchell, who is also a member of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, said: "Undoubtedly, there is a need for restructuring" and while she had not seen the report she said she supported the introduction of more specialised regional services.
However, she emphasised that any changes should not only be administrative but should also extend to funding. She also called on the Minister for Health, Mr Micheál Martin, to establish the office of an ombudsman for health, which would act as a court of appeal and could in future offset the need for tribunals.
She was wary of the introduction of consumer panels saying they would "not necessarily have the expertise".
Labour health and children spokesperson Ms Liz McManus also called for the immediate publication of the report and said structural changes must "enhance efficiency and accountability . . . not simply [be] introduced as part of a cost-cutting exercise."
She said it was "essential" that communities would retain a say in the management of hospital services and community care and called on the Minister to clarify how "the element of democratic accountability is to be retained and strengthened." She called for the direct election, "by the people", of representatives to new regional structures.
Sinn Féin's health spokesperson Mr Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin warned the proposals would lead to greater centralisation and would reduce local control over health and personal social services.
He said although there was a recognition of the excessive level of bureaucracy in the service there was "a lack of democratic accountability and these proposals would make the services even less accountable to the citizen and the community".