Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is alleged that commercially sensitive information was shared and people were referred to as being "good to know." Funnily enough, the holidays were reimbursed with cash so that there was no traceability. It is amazing and sickening.

I acknowledge and thank Mr. Michael Cullen of Beacon Hospital for coming forward. As the chief executive officer of a private hospital, he is not under a statutory obligation to come forward here today. His presence is appreciated. It is sickening to think that Mr. Cullen's counterpart at St. Vincent's hospital - the chief executive officer of a hospital that is publicly funded by the taxpayer - did not see fit to come to this meeting to answer questions. The comparison between the two is unbelievable. I thank Mr. Cullen for coming forward. While Beacon Hospital is a private hospital, it is funded by the public through private health insurance. We all know that the cost of private health insurance has been increasing significantly in recent years. The alleged impropriety that seems to have been ongoing has been helping to drive up costs. Once again, struggling families who are being put to the pin of their collars to maintain their private health insurance are being left to carry the can.

When did Mr. Cullen become aware of what was happening? Did he make the HSE aware of it? He said the hospital was carrying out an investigation, and I welcome that. I note that he felt he could come forward at today's meeting even though an investigation is being carried out. The authorities at St. Vincent's hospital do not seem to share that perspective. When will this investigation be complete? How much has the alleged impropriety cost the hospital? How will that be reimbursed? Does the Beacon Hospital provide any services for the public sector through procurement or otherwise? As the chief executive officer of a private hospital, does Mr. Cullen believe the sanctions or penalties that are provided for in current company law are sufficiently strong to prevent people from sharing information with competitors during a tendering process?