Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I welcome all the witnesses. The voluntary agencies, which are being funded by the HSE to the tune of €3.1 billion, are doing a wonderful job. Some €2.5 billion, which is a great deal of money, is being given to 44 agencies under section 38. Some €600 million is being provided to the remaining agencies, which are part-funded under section 39. Approximately €400 million of that money is going to just 39 agencies. I reiterate that €2.5 billion is being divided among 44 agencies and a further €400 million is being divided among 39 agencies. The former Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, always believed in value for money. He advocated the "money follows the patient" approach. Ms McGuinness has seen the value for money report. Can she sum up the value of the money that is being given to these organisations? People are constantly asking me whether money is being given to the right organisations.