S.I. No. 305/2007 - The Health Research Board (Establishment) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2007

The Minister for Health and Children, in exercise of the powers conferred on her by section 3 of the Health Corporate Bodies Act 1961 No. 27 of 1961 as adapted by the Health (Alteration of Name and Department and Title of Minister) Order, 1997 (SI No 308 of 1997) hereby amends the Health Research Board (Establishment) Order 1986 (SI No. 279 of 1986) as follows:

1.  This Order may be cited as the Health Research Board (Establishment) (Amendment) (No.3) Order, 2007.

2.  The Health Research Board (Establishment) Order 1986 (SI No. 279 of 1986) is hereby amended by -

(a)  the substitution of the following article for Article 3

“In this Order:-

“the Board” means the Health Research Board established by this order;

“The Chairman” means the Chairman for the time being of the Board

“The Executive” means the Health Service Executive established by the Health Act 2004

“health research” means

research with the goal of understanding normal and abnormal functioning, at the molecular, cellular, organ system and whole body levels, including research into the development of new therapies or devices to improve health or the quality oflife of individuals, up to the point where they are tested on human subjects;

research that is specifically concerned with innovative strategies, devices, products or services for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of human disease or injury;

research with the goal of improving the diagnosis and treatment (including the rehabilitation and palliation) of human disease and injury and of improving the health and quality of life of individuals as they pass through the normal life stages;

research with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health professionals and the health care system through changes to practice and policy;

research with the goal of improving the health of the population or of defined sub-populations through a better understanding of the ways in which social, cultural, environmental, occupational and economic factors determine health status;

“the Minister” means the Minister for Health and Children

(b)  the substitution of the following article for Article 4:

(1)  The functions of the board are as follows :-

(a)  to promote, assist, commission or conduct health research to improve health and increase the effectiveness of the health services

(b)  to maintain, develop or support health information systems for the purposes of research and to provide the evidence for health policy andservices

(c)  to liaise and co-operate with other research bodies in the State and outside the State in the promotion, commissioning or conduct of relevant research;

(d)  to liaise with other health information bodies in the State and where appropriate outside the State in the development and support of health information systems;

(2)  In the discharge of its functions, the Board shall have regard to such research and objectives as the Minister may, from time to time, determine and convey to the Board.

(3)  In discharge of its functions in relation to health research and information systems, the Board shall have regard to excellence and relevance to health and best international practice.

(c)  the substitution of the following article for article 5:

“(1)  The Board shall consist of ten members appointed by the Minister.

(2)  The Minister shall appoint members who meet at least one of the following criteria

(a)  persons with relevant experience in health research or health information systems

(b)  persons serving in a senior health service position and who have relevant experience in health research or health information or of managing such functions

(c)  persons with expertise in the use of health research or health information systems for economic development

(d)  persons with expertise in the use of health research or health information systems from a patient or client perspective

(e)  persons with outstanding reputations for academic achievement or business or civic leadership

(3)  The Minister shall endeavour to ensure that among the members of the board there is an equitable balance between men and women.

(d)  the substitution of the following sub-article for sub-article 6(1)

“Subject to sub-article (3), a member of the Board shall hold office for a period not exceeding five years from the date of his or her appointment as the Minister shall determine”

(e)  the substitution of the following sub-article for sub-article 6(3)

“Of the members of the Board, five members shall, at a meeting held for the purposes of this sub-article be selected by unanimous agreement of the members of the Board attending or where no such agreement can for whatever reason be reached, by the drawing of lots by the members of the Board so attending, to hold office for a period of three years and the remaining five members shall hold office for a period of five years.”

(e)  the substitution of the following article for Article 8:

“(1)  The Minister shall appoint a Chairperson from among the members of the board.

(2)  The Chairperson shall hold office until the expiration of his or her current term of office as a member”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation).

The effect of this Order is to make a number of changes to the Health Research Board (Establishment) Order 1986 (SI No. 279 of 1986) as amended, to achieve greater congruence in the composition of the board of the Health Research Board and to reflect the changes taking place in health related research, health information systems and technology and to improve their contribution to health care, population health and the knowledge society.