Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
1149. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the review of insourcing published on 1 July 2025 included any quantified modelling of the impact of cessation on waiting list volumes and waiting times; and if so, to provide the outputs of that modelling. [32884/26]
View answer1153. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any risk assessment was conducted regarding potential increases in waiting times or patient deterioration following the cessation of insourcing; and if so, to provide details. [32888/26]
View answer1154. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any patients previously scheduled for treatment under insourcing arrangements have experienced delays or rescheduling as a result of the policy change; and if so, the number affected. [32889/26]
View answer1155. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to provide a comparative cost per procedure between third-party insourcing, outsourcing via the National Treatment Purchase Fund, and direct in-house provision for the most common procedures. [32890/26]
View answer1156. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any clinical governance incidents, adverse outcomes, or audit findings relating to third-party insourcing informed the decision to cease its use; and if so, to provide details. [32891/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1149, 1153, 1154, 1155 and 1156 together.
As previously advised, in light of concerns about an overreliance in the system on supplementary capacity, last year I asked the HSE CEO to undertake a detailed survey of all insourcing activity within the HSE.
The review considered the background to, impact of, and future use of insourcing and outsourcing, with a specific focus on third-party insourcing. It also considered the reasons, benefits and safeguards in relation to third-party insourcing, and examined volume and costs. I published the full review on 1st July last year.
Given the quantum of activity related to 3rd party insourcing as outlined in the CEO’s report it is not considered that the enhanced control measures introduced last year to restrict the practice or its cessation from the end of June this year would materially affect scheduled care performance.
The HSE has many initiatives underway which will support the removal of third-party insourcing including clinical pathways, regional capacity, productivity measures, POCC, 5/7etc., and ongoing NTPF and HSE commissioning opportunities.
The current volume of third-party insourcing is not material, with less than 1% of activity in the first quarter provided in this manner as advised by the Regions.
I have asked the HSE to provide information relating to costs in respect of third party insourcing and direct inhouse provision. The NTPF has advised my Department that it is not possible to provide figures at procedure level as this would disclose commercially sensitive pricing information and releasing this information could affect the State’s ability to secure value-for-money services in future procurements.
