Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1405. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the absence of national audit or outcome-monitoring systems in any healthcare pathway has been recorded on any Departmental or HSE risk register since 2020; and if she will provide details of any such entries. [39754/26]
View answerThere is one relevant risk that is recorded on the Department’s Risk Register, and it remains under active management. This risk reflects that the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) has not completed certain elements of work in clinical audit in recent years, as originally set out under its terms of reference. However, this situation is due to an evolving policy and governance landscape in relation to National Clinical Audit.
Alternative structures have been put in place which strengthen the oversight and delivery of national clinical audit activity. The HSE’s National Centre for Clinical Audit (NCCA), is established and operational, and has recently launched the HSE National Strategy for Clinical Audit 2026–2030. It sets out a clear vision to embed clinical audit as a cornerstone of quality and patient safety across the integrated health and social care system. This strategy supports national, regional, and local delivery of evidence-informed clinical audit that leads to measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
The NCCA has service level agreements with several audit providers, such as National Office for Clinical Audit (NOCA) and The National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) to complete national clinical audits on behalf of the HSE.
In parallel, the Department is proactively progressing measures to ensure clarity and alignment of roles. An options paper is currently being prepared to support consideration at senior management level of the future role and policy focus of the NCEC, including its role in relation to National Clinical Audit.
In relation to the HSE’s risk register, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct response.
