Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be clear: no one suggesting that the HSE should do the audit. What I am saying clearly as Minister is that I want my Department to be able to satisfy me in 2018 that people are adhering to the consultants' contract in full and that where they are not, appropriate steps have been taken.

Senator Burke is right. We have the ability to carry out an audit function. The process I have articulated is effectively the utilisation of that function. I am not ruling out a more comprehensive audit should the need arise. My priority must be, as it should be, to ensure that we have robust monitoring mechanisms in place.