Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

A number of members asked about complaints relating to Console going back to 2005 and it is strange that it has been said three times that all the personnel have changed since then. That is a poor reflection on systems within the HSE. If there were robust oversight systems, it would not be down to individuals. The system should operate properly and records should be kept of complaints. I acknowledge there has been constant churn in the HSE but saying that everybody has changed roles is not an answer to a question about whether there was a complaint ten years ago. There is an acceptance that concerns had been raised of one kind or another since 2009. I think the officials will accept that. How was it then that, in 2013, Console's funding increased by 120% given many of those concerns were live and under consideration? Why did the HSE increase the funding by 120% without, apparently, due diligence?

My second question relates to St. John of God and why action was not action. We were told that the HSE was informed by St. John of God in 2013 that it was in breach of public sector pay rules. The Comptroller and Auditor General told us that he informed the HSE in 2013 in the same vein, yet Mr. O'Brien said in his opening statement: "Consequently, I have asked the HSE's internal audit division to conduct a review of these matters as a matter of urgency." This matters were brought to his attention by St. John of God and the Comptroller and Auditor General in 2013 and, therefore, it is hardly "as a matter of urgency" that he is dealing with them in 2016. What is the reason for the three-year delay?

My final question relates to auditing. The HSE funds 304 organisations in excess of €250,000 a year. There are questions about others. Could Dr. Smith take us through the procedure? Presumably, all 304 organisations are required to have audited accounts. Does the HSE receive copies of those accounts? What is the oversight scenario regarding such accounts? Dr. Smith referred earlier to accounts on which she conducts the external audit. Who were Console's auditors? Did they at any stage raise concerns with Dr. Smith about probity issues?