A restructuring of the HSE will only matter to people if it is affordable and improves access to healthcare, Fianna Fáil's health spokesperson has said.
It comes after reports that the Minister for Health is bringing proposals to Cabinet on Wednesday.
According to The Irish Times, the restructuring will involve a partial return to the old health board system that existed before the HSE was established 15 years ago.
It would see regional healthcare structures with 'high levels' of autonomy.
Fianna Fail's Stephen Donnelly suggested people don't really care about the organisational structures of the executive - and instead just want to know if they'll get better access to the health service.
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show, he said: "In theory, this should work - I support it, Fianna Fáil supports it, the Oireachtas supports it... this is an initiative out of Sláintecare.
"I'm sure if it works, the Government will claim credit, and if it doesn't they'll blame the Oireachtas... but sure such is politics."
However, Deputy Donnelly stressed that more than a restructuring is needed.
He argued: "We need more doctors and nurses and other clinicians - this isn't going to do that. We have the lowest level of consultants per capita anywhere in Europe, so it's not going to help with that.
"We need less layers of bureaucracy - if this is done right it will help with that. We need quicker decision making."
He added: "Really what matters to people is two things... will it improve access to the healthcare system, which is now the worst in Europe?
"It has to be affordable - in healthcare, there are a load of brilliant things happening... but all of these new drugs and treatments cost an absolute fortune. Will this reorganisation help get people the access they need, and is it affordable in the long-term for the State?"
