Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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196. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department or the HSE have commissioned further forensic audits of a group (details supplied) subsequent to the review which concluded in April 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/17]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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198. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the progress in separating St Vincent's University Hospital, a publicly-funded hospital, from the private elements of the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group, in view of statements made by the HSE (details supplied); if he has satisfied himself that all consultants are now working within the terms of their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 198 together.

The HSE has service agreements with hospitals such as St. Vincent’s University Hospital, under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004, which require compliance with national health and public service pay and conditions policies. The HSE aims to ensure that appropriate systems are in place to effectively manage the services and funding which are provided on its behalf. It has developed a Governance Framework for the purpose of its arrangements for delivery of services by providers funded under Section 38. The Governance Framework provides for national standard governance documentation and administrative processes and it seeks to ensure that both the HSE and the recipient service providers comply with their respective obligations, and that the services delivered provide best outcomes for the service user and represent effective use of public Exchequer funding.

The HSE is responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of Consultant Contract 2008 as the statutory provider and commissioner of public health services. In relation to the specific queries raised in relation to the operation and governance of St Vincent's University Hospital, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.