[1] This system was initially created with eight health boards, each of which were prescribed a functional area in which they operated.

Prior to the advent of the health board system, the Health Act 1947 was the principal legislation on the State's role in the provision of healthcare in Ireland;[2] this was the act that served as the legislative basis for the Mother and Child Scheme, which was later withdrawn under Church and medical opposition.

Doctors served very much in a sole trader capacity with the state taking few responsibilities beyond the organisation of the provision of healthcare to the disadvantaged.

Each health board was headed by a chief executive officer and more often assisted by an ad hoc management team consisting of professionals who were public servants.

The rest of the state was served by seven health boards, each with a designated functional area.