To ask the Minister of Health whether an assessment has been made of potential savings that could be made within his Department through the amalgamation of the five Health and Social Care Trusts.

I have already stated on a number of occasions that, given this year’s budget allocation to my Department and the efficiencies that have consequently been required, the priority at this stage is the stabilisation of services. A focus on an internal reform of structures would detract and distract from the more important issues facing our health service such as tackling waiting lists and addressing health inequalities. In any case, amalgamation of the six Trusts would ultimately only lead to minimal savings as the vast majority of staff cost expenditure would still be required.

I have already made clear to all HSC Trusts that I view them as essentially one Trust in practice and that I expect greater cooperation, sharing of limited resources and maximising of possible efficiencies between them.