Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 307: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the iSoft information technology system is currently in use in the health services; the cost of this system to the Exchequer thus far; her plans for future use of the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29150/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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For a number of years, iSoft systems have been installed at Cork University Hospital, Kerry General Hospital and the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospital, Tallaght.

I am informed by the Health Service Executive that in February 2005, the board of the Health Service Executive approved the implementation of an integrated patient management system to be implemented across the entire system at hospital and community level over the next ten years. The board approved a maximum figure for the project of €400 million over ten years. However, this does not infer that the estimated cost will be incurred.

The HSE has advised that the formal contract was signed on Saturday, 30 April 2005, in the amount of €56 million payable to iSoft over the ten year period. This is in accordance with the Department of Finance approval which issued to the HSE on 16 May and refers to confirming oral sanction given to HSE by telephone on 29 April concerning the signing of a contract with iSoft and is subject to a number of conditions being fulfilled by the HSE. The HSE must revert to the Department of Finance before any national rollout takes place.