Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The impression could be given that we have staff in the HSE twiddling their thumbs with nothing to do, but nothing could be further from the truth. We have no idle staff in the HSE. We spoke to representatives of the HSE in the early stages and they indicated that they were not in a position to administer this scheme. They stated their support for the decision to engage an outside company to help in the repayments. It was our intention to appoint the company earlier than envisaged but we will not delay the legislation or the repayments. We would appreciate the support of all parties in both Houses and we are keen to pass the legislation as quickly as possible and to begin the repayments at the earliest possible date.

We are not trying to hide anything, but a certain procedure must be followed for the tendering process when the name of the company is not known. The Senator will know the name of the company involved and the cost of the contract within 48 hours. If there is any other relevant information he wants to know about the company, I am sure the HSE will be prepared to provide it. It is not the case that we are trying to hide anything. A certain procedure must be followed, and we are following it. There is no desire on our part to keep any information from the Senator.

The contract is for two years and we expect the work will be completed within that period. If at the end of the two-year period it is considered there is further work to be done that would require the advice and assistance of the company, it would have to enter into new negotiations at that stage. The current contract into which the company has entered is for a two-year period.