John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Excuse me but I wish to follow on from Deputy Connaughton's point. One can get tired of listening to the toing and froing that happens between Deputies but according to Mr. Mulvany's explanation, the HSE has failed to bring consultants into line. The Committee of Public Accounts has had this discussion with the HSE previously. The committee has heard all of the explanations about what is required to be done to make consultants comply. While we are talking about a significant amount of money it is also a problem for the process. When the HSE finally submits a bill to the private insurer, from those consultants who have not signed off for years, there is bound to be a query. If I received an invoice for a job done two or three years ago I would have difficulty in paying it and would take a double look at it. Yet the HSE has consultants in hospitals who ignore the HSE's endeavours to settle bills. Am I correct in my understanding that the HSE provides somebody with an iPad to chase these consultants to sign off?