Proposed reforms in the structure of the State's health system have been broadly welcomed by groups representing patients and healthcare professionals.
Welcoming the proposals revealed in yesterday's Irish Times, Mr Stephen McMahon, chairman of the Irish Patients' Association, said: "We recognise the contribution of many local and national politicians who have served on health board structures. However, these proposals mean that patients' interests and frontline workers will be effectively represented in the planning, development and implementation of the necessary reforms."
Mr McMahon also called for the "necessary resourcing" of the initiative so that patients could contribute actively in a representative role.
The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association said it welcomed the broad thrust of the health service audit, carried out by Prospectus Management Consultants.
The association's secretary-general, Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick, said the reform proposals would require "political will" if they were to be implemented. Its president, Dr Colm Quigley, said: "Consultation with interest parties and the wider public should be conducted intensely over a short time frame. This report should motivate real change as soon as possible and not be allowed to become another reason for political paralysis."
Mr Liam Doran of the Irish Nurses' Organisation welcomed the rationalisation of health structures. "We are particularly pleased at the increased voice for health professionals and health consumers."
However, he said patient representation would have to be properly resourced if they were to contribute fully to the newly structured health service. Mr Doran agreed with the planned reduction in public representatives on the new regional executives "but not their extinction".
At a meeting of the Health Services Joint Council held yesterday, the organisation formally requested a meeting with Prospectus Management Consultants.
The chairman of the Irish College of General Practitioners, Dr Richard Brennan, told The Irish Times the college would reserve its position and would not comment in detail until the review was available "in its entirety".
However he did say that the proposed national hospital agency must be integrated with the new national health services executive "and not stand alone".
Dr Brennan said there was nothing in the report which would suggest an end to the two-tier care system and little to suggest better planning for the integration of the public and private sectors.
The Irish Medical Organisation called on the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, to publish the Prospectus report in full.
Its chief executive, Mr George McNeice, said: "It is extremely unfair to staff currently working in the health boards and the Department of Health to learn of this through the media. This only undermines staff morale even further."
Once the report was published, "the IMO will respond on an informed basis".