Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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116. To ask the Minister for Health his progress in disentangling St. Vincent's University Hospital, a publicly funded hospital, from the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group; if the Health Service Executive proceeded with its proposal to employ forensic accountants for this purpose; the outcome of this exercise; and the steps he is taking to ensure full transparency and accountability in the operation and governance of this public hospital. [8753/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the stewardship and proper management of public funds granted to it for the provision of health and personal social services. Under Section 38 of the Health Act, 2004, the HSE may enter into agreements with provider organisations to deliver services on its behalf. In discharging its statutory duties and public accountabilities, the HSE has in place a Governance Framework covering corporate, clinical and financial governance. The accountability relationship between the HSE and the voluntary hospitals under its remit, including St Vincent’s Hospital, is governed primarily through the Service Level Arrangement entered into between the HSE and each voluntary hospital and compliance requirements for providers are set out in the Section 38 Service Arrangements.

In relation to the particular query raised in relation to the operation and governance of St Vincent’s hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.