Mr. Phelim Quinn:

Our engagement or involvement in any discussion on value for money will be part and parcel of any work we propose to do under the accountability framework with the HSE. There would be no requirement under the current legislative or regulatory framework for us to look at value for money issues. Primarily, however, in looking at value for money one of the critical issues is whether or not the service being provided is addressing the client or client group's needs.

We must also look at whether or not the service is achieving the outcomes it was purchased to achieve. In addition, we must examine the balance of costs and whether or not there is some comparator cost that can be used within that model.