Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Health in view of recent reports in regard to funding originally intended for the fair deal scheme, if he will consider the appointment of auditors to examine Health Service Executive expenditure to ensure that those areas identified for funding are in receipt of the amounts that are budgeted for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16407/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive is subject to full audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to both its Annual Financial Statements and its Appropriation Account. The Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General reports on the audited accounts and any specific matters which arise from the audits. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General may undertake in-depth examinations of specific issues or general matters arising from audits, inspections or examinations carried out by his Office.

However, notwithstanding the Comptroller and Auditor General's role, I have previously indicated, in the context of the recent issues surrounding the Nursing Home Support Scheme, that I will consider whether external auditors should be used to bring greater clarity in respect of that particular situation. Further enquiries are now being made as to whether it is necessary to appoint an external auditor for this purpose.