Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 147: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent of Government funding to a company (details supplied); if he has any concern or role in the salary being paid to the CEO; his views on recent information regarding the company relations with a private company and a conflict of interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Public funding for health and personal social services to the Rehab Group is provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). A total of €39.9m was provided to RehabCare in 2010. However, my Department has asked the HSE to provide details of any other company in the Rehab Group of companies that received funding from the HSE in 2010. I will let the Deputy have the information as soon as possible.

The Government is concerned to ensure that all State funding is allocated appropriately, efficiently and effectively. While I have no direct role in relation to the salary of the CEO in the Rehab Group or the procurement arrangements in relation to their services, given the substantial level of State funding invested in the Rehab Group and the measures being taken across public services regarding salaries I would recommend that the Rehab Group should consider their situation in the context of good corporate governance and accountability to the people they serve.

The Comptroller and Auditor General raised concerns in the past regarding accountability in respect of funding provided to voluntary organisations in the disability sector. In response to those concerns, the HSE has worked closely with the disability sector in recent years to develop Service Level Arrangements which provide the required level of accountability for public funds. In addition, health funding provided to all disability organisations is being examined in depth by my Department in a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Disability Services. Information on staff costs, including costs relating to senior management and CEO posts in voluntary disability organisations will be collected and analysed in that context. The Review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.