Mr. Michael Cullen:

I thank the Chairman and the members of the joint committee for inviting me to attend this afternoon's meeting. As this is the first time representatives of Beacon Hospital have been before the committee, I would like to outline some brief information on the hospital. The hospital opened in October 2006 and is now established as one of Ireland’s most advanced high-tech private hospitals. It has 183 acute care beds and nine operating theatres. Last year, it treated 100,000 patients. Some 800 health care professionals are working out of the hospital. They provide world-class acute care services in many areas, including orthopaedics, cardiology, women’s health, urology, vascular surgery, ear, nose and throat, neurology, general surgery and comprehensive cancer care. The hospital is known for providing an excellent standard of care to all patients and visitors while conducting its business to the highest ethical standards.

From the outset, I would like to say how shocked and disappointed the entire team and staff at Beacon Hospital were after RTE broadcast its "Prime Time" programme last week. The hospital has strict procurement policies and procedures in place. Any alleged breach of these policies and procedures is taken extremely seriously.Likewise, the hospital has a comprehensive staff handbook and conflict of interest policies governing relationships with suppliers and patients. Following the allegations made in the programme, an internal investigation was launched. As part of this investigation, we have brought in an external independent forensic auditor to review our history of dealings with the supplier in question and all suppliers. The auditor will also audit and evaluate the hospital’s procurement procedures and processes to ensure the controls within the procurement chain are robust. This investigation is ongoing. I can confirm to the committee that an employee at the centre of the allegations has since resigned his position.

I understand that a criminal investigation is under way. I do not want to make any further comment that may prejudice the outcome of such an investigation. I have a summary of our procurement policy, which I can read into the record if the Chairman wishes. It is also contained in appendix A of our submission. While I am happy that our procurement policies and procedures are robust, I look forward to receiving the findings of our internal investigation and implementing any recommendations. On behalf of everyone working at Beacon Hospital, I would like to reiterate our commitment to excellence across all aspects of the hospital’s clinical and non-clinical operations. I thank the joint committee for its invitation. I will be happy to take any questions that members may have.