Mr. Jim Breslin:

At present, the process is at peer review stage, which involves any major ICT expenditure going to a peer review process of independent people. They are commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to look at projects objectively, to bring their expertise to that across a range of areas, including ICT, and to question the project approach that is being taken. We have just entered the peer review stage. When we conclude that stage we would hope that we would finalise a procurement process that would lead to phased implementation. It will be a multi-year implementation, probably starting with those areas of the country that have the most urgent need for new technology in this area. We will phase in the implementation of that. It will be a major multi-annual programme. It will run to tens of millions of euro in terms of budget. In the capital review announced last week by the Government additional provision has been made for a national financial system for the HSE.