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5. Statement by the Chairman of the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel regarding the New Directions Health and Social Services policy document
The Bailiff :
If there are no other questions for the Deputy Chief Minister we will move on to statements on a matter of official responsibility, there being no personal statements and I ask the Chairman of the Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel to make his statement.
5.1 Deputy A. Breckon (Chairman, Health, Social Security and Housing Scrutiny Panel: The Health, Social Security and Housing Panel had arranged to scrutinise New Directions commencing in February 2007. Unfortunately the Minister for Health and Social Services took an extended medical absence and the situation was further aggravated by the change of Minister for Health and Social Services in September 2007. The incoming Minister asked for time to reconsider New Directions and further delays arose because of the intervention of the Haut de la Garenne issue. After a succession of delays it was hoped that the document would be placed before the Council of Ministers on 8th May. It now transpires that this has been further delayed. This has been a major disappointment to the Panel which felt that it was logical to start its work with a scrutiny of the policy which was going to drive the future work of the department. This is now highly unlikely and the Panel intends, although late in the day, to commence a study of the issues surrounding long-term care of the elderly. The Panel would like to stress that it has received excellent co-operation from the officers of Health and Social Services. Nevertheless it is extremely disappointed that this scrutiny is unlikely to take place before the end of the current session. Do I need to say that again, Sir?
The Bailiff :
No, I think we are not quorate, I am afraid. I must ask one Member at least, in the precinct to return to his or her seat.
Deputy J.J. Huet of St. Helier :
Maybe we could ask the Members in future, Sir, to have a look around before they leave the Chamber?
The Bailiff :
I think that would be very helpful, Deputy . Now, are there any questions for the Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel? No?