In accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, the Department of Health has published its new Statement of Strategy 2021-2023, which sets out the department’s vision, mission and strategic priorities for the next 3-year period.

The Statement of Strategy is in line with the vision and goals of the Sláintecare strategy and sets out the Department of Health’s vision, mission and functions. The department's vision is for a healthier Ireland, with improved health and wellbeing for all, and with the right care delivered in the right place at the right time.

The mission of the Department of Health is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Ireland by:

• supporting people to lead healthy and independent lives
• ensuring the delivery of high quality and safe health and social care
• creating a more responsive, integrated and people-centred health and social care service
• promoting effective and efficient management of the health and social care services and ensuring best value from health system resources

The department serves the public and supports the Minister for Health, Ministers of State and the government by:

• providing leadership and policy direction for the health sector to improve health outcomes
• undertaking governance and performance oversight to ensure accountable and high-quality services
• collaborating to achieve health priorities and contribute to wider social and economic goals
• creating an organisational environment where high performance is achieved, collaborative working is valued, and the knowledge and skills of staff are developed and deployed

The 5 strategic priorities described in the Statement of Strategy are listed below. These strategic priorities were developed following extensive consultation with the public, the HSE and agencies under the aegis of the department, Department of Health Staff, and other government departments. The priorities are aligned to the vision and fundamental principles of Sláintecare and reflect the Minister’s priorities and relevant commitments in the Programme for Government.

5 Strategic Priorities

• manage COVID-19 and promote public health
• expand and integrate care in the community
• make access to healthcare fairer and faster
• improve oversight and partnership in the sector
• become an organisation fit for the future