Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Does Mr. O'Brien believe the procedures in place in the hospitals, including the dealings with consultants, will ensure taxpayers' money is put in on time? This would have a positive impact. The HSE has €7 million above profile for the revenue side to date this year. If the €20 million was brought in, it could have a significant impact on the revenue budget for the HSE. The problem is that at the end of every year we have these supplementary budgets and not enough is done about looking at how the systems operate within the bodies. It is within the HSE's grasp and wherewithal to find a minimum of €20 million this year. How does the HSE propose to do this and what targets has it put in place? Has the HSE appointed someone to head up a project team to ensure these targets are achieved?

As a member of the Committee of Public Accounts I am concerned about getting value for the taxpayer, but more particularly about ensuring the HSE has the resources to deliver front-line services. Mr O'Brien would agree that the amount of time taken for a bill to go to the insurance company - 51 days from the time the patient is seen - is unacceptable. The HSE waits 240 days on average from the date the patient is seen for the money to come in. That has to have an impact on how the public are treated by the health system. How will the HSE make these targets? What benchmarks will be put in place? What is the timeframe for achieving them? Has a project team been in place?

I hark back again to that €61 million worth of unsigned forms. Does that refer to forms where the documentation has been handed to the consultant but the consultant has not signed it, or does it relate to internal documentation that the HSE has not prepared so the consultant can sign off on it?