Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
686. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to state whether her Department receives aggregated reports from the HSE on the results of compliance checks carried out on non-statutory bodies, including trends, recurring issues, and risk ratings; and when the most recent such report was received. [73515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the Department operates to high standards of professionalism and effectiveness when dealing with the HSE. Under the Health Act 2004, primary responsibility for funding the Voluntary Hospitals (Section 38s) for the provision of healthcare services on behalf of the HSE, was placed with the HSE. As a result, primary oversight responsibility for the non-statutory bodies including the acute Hospitals is with the HSE and this includes dealing with issues relevant to the delivery of healthcare services as they arise.
Nevertheless, it is prudent for the Department to oversee governance of all aegis bodies including the HSE. The Department in conjunction with the Board of the HSE, conducts a quarterly high-level meeting which involves the CEO of the HSE, the Chair of the HSE Board, the Secretary General of the Department of Health and the Minister for Health.
At the most recent meeting in September 2025, compliance issues relating to the implementation of the new Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and other central HSE ICT systems were discussed. The Minister agreed to work with the HSE to resolve the matter. Following this meeting, progress has been achieved and the fifteen (15) larger Section 38 acute hospitals have completed Service Agreements with the HSE to include use of the IFMS and other central ICT systems.
The quarterly Ministerial meeting with HSE top management includes consideration of issues arising from the HSE Statement of Internal Control (SIC) as a standing agenda item. The HSE arrangements for governance of voluntary hospitals is not specifically included on the SIC and arises in the broader context of consideration of issues with potential to impact service delivery.
The Department holds a quarterly Risk Management meeting with the HSE at Officials level to discuss strategic and high-rated risks and the operation of the HSE Risk Register.
By using these meetings, the Department ensures that top level management in the HSE and the HSE Board are accountable to high standards in managing the delivery of healthcare services.
