The Minister for Health () is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of Health. The Minister for Health is responsible for healthcare in the Republic of Ireland and related services. The current Minister for Health is Stephen Donnelly, TD. He is assisted by: Mary Butler, TD – Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Hildegarde Naughton, TD – Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy Anne Rabbitte, TD – Minister of State with responsibility for Disability History Health care formed part of the portfolio of the Minister for Local Government and Public Health until 22 January 1947. On that date the new position of Minister for Health was created, with complete control over all policy regarding health care provision in Ireland. In the past, it was common for the minister to also hold the position of Minister for Social Welfare. In recent years, and especially since the tenure of Michael Noonan in 1994–1997, being appointed as minister has become somewhat of a "poisoned chalice" in government circles and a portfolio to be avoided by aspiring politicians, during his tenure Brian Cowen referred to the Department of Health as Angola because there were landmines everywhere. A number of scandals, mostly due to medical negligence, have meant that the minister immediately becomes identified with the scandal. For instance the Hepatitis C scandal, the withholding of baby organs without parental consent or knowledge, the Michael Neary saga in Drogheda and other high-profile medical scandals have dogged the minister and department. Additionally the minister has to deal with logistic issues not seen in other departments such as strikes, shortages and queues which are all too familiar in clinics and hospitals around the country. Overview The Minister's duties include the creation and assessment of policy for the health services. The main policy sections of the department, together with their responsibilities, are: Child Care Child care legislation National Children's Office Continuing Care Services for homeless adults Services for people with disabilities Services for the elderly and palliative care Finance Health insurance Hospital planning Public-Private Partnerships Personnel Management and Development Nursing policy Personnel management and development Primary Care Community health (child health, dental services, AIDS, reproductive health) General medical services Secondary Care Blood policy Hospital services Strategic Policy and Corporate Services Corporate Services Health promotion Health Strategy Legislation List of office-holders References External links