Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I thank the HSE for coming before the committee. The allegations that have already been made are very worrying. The real concern of the committee, and what is at the back of everybody's mind, is whether this is the tip of the iceberg. What we hope to have from the HSE this afternoon is confirmation of the safeguards that are in place to ensure that allegations such as those we have heard do not arise. I accept what Mr. Cullen stated earlier about the question of trust in this area. Having said this, systems and safeguards must be in place to ensure there are no areas where allegations such as these can arise. The safeguards must be such that everything is above board. This is what we need from the HSE. We need an outline of the procurement procedures in place at present. Does it happen on an individual hospital basis, a group basis, an area basis or a national basis? How is it done? What safeguards are built into the system?

What is health business services? I have not heard much about it. Apparently, it has a key role in procurement. What are the terms of reference of this organisation? Is it part of the HSE? Are there others on a board? How does the process work? We also need to hear from the internal audit people, and I am delighted they have come before the committee. This is another crucial area in this matter. How often do internal audits take place at whatever level, be it at hospital or group level? Are they indicated in advance? Are they done on specific locations or specific groups of hospitals? Are they done on specific items of equipment? One of the areas addressed by a number of speakers is how the purchase of equipment is driven by specialists and how this area is covered and safeguarded.

Mr. Woods referred to a requirement for additional procurement capacity. What does this mean? We need to be assured that this is not the tip of the iceberg and that safeguards and procedures are in place to ensure this.