Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----setting up companies and having private contracts with those companies. A contract is made with a particular company for the services of a certain celebrity who is being paid hundreds of thousands of euro - money that is paid by the taxpayer. They are being funded to lead a celebrity lifestyle while, at the same time, often enjoying a completely unaccountable role in seeking to shape public opinion, which is far beyond their proper role. We need to have a searching discussion on that from the perspective of accountability. Whether the issue is rural or urban Ireland, liberal or conservative, we need to examine the media's role and how taxpayers' money is being used.

I wish to thank the Leader for getting a response for me from the Minister for Health on two issues I have raised: the question of procurement processes at the Saolta University Health Care Group, and issues concerning baby cooling. I note that the only answer we have got from the Minister is that the Department has been advised by the HSE's national director of internal audit that the internal audit process is ongoing. This is the examination of the procurement of particular services by the Saolta University Health Care Group.

We were promised that this audit would be completed by last Christmas. The former CEO, Mr. Maher, has presumably moved on to another role on the east coast of the country. The question I asked as to whether the results of the audit would have any implication for his role or tenure remain unanswered because we do not know what the audit shows. I am afraid this letter does not tell us why the delay occurred. I thank the Leader for his unstinting efforts to get answers for me and the House, but I would be grateful if he asked the HSE and the Minister on my behalf why we have not had a response or a result from the audit at this stage.