James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the sentiment behind the amendment. The Senator wishes to be assured that members of the audit committee are suitably qualified to carry out their duties to a high standard. While it makes sense that the HSE audit committee includes people who have an auditing or accountancy background, there is merit in bringing other valuable experience and qualifications to the table such as those of business and other relevant groups. I am keen for that reason not to overly restrict the membership. The net effect of the amendment would be that another body would decide which people had the skills to act as members of the HSE audit committee. This is not an appropriate approach and it should be a matter for the directorate to exercise sound judgment in appointing a balance of suitably qualified members to the committee.

We have two reports, the Ogden report and one by PA Consulting, which I hope to publish shortly and bring to Cabinet. Ogden has highlighted the issues and difficulties within the HSE relating to financial matters and PA Consulting confirmed them and made recommendations, which we are putting in place. This relates to having a sufficient number of people with the necessary financial qualifications to be in charge of the budgets that pertain in the HSE. I hope the Senator will understand that I cannot accept the amendment.