Mr. Robert Watt:

In the main, the HSE does its own procurement and we help it for the procurement of some common goods and services. We are very happy to help in any way we can to ensure that the processes are robust. Frankly, I am not going to defend any processes in the HSE or anywhere else which do not have value for money at their core.

I accept mistakes are made and things go wrong. If people are managing a process that is not adequate and it has been brought to their attention by the committee repeatedly, then it is not acceptable. We are working with HSE in putting in place a procurement strategy and a more focused approach. We have our job, as well as the Department of Health, to ensure it is doing it properly. Obviously, the committee has its job in calling it to account as to how moneys are spent.