Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1187. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health further to her announcement on 5 February 2026 of Government approval of a national electronic health record system, the safeguards that are being built into procurement contracts to protect the Exchequer from unforeseen implementation costs, change-control inflation, vendor dependency or prolonged transition periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE are responsible for the procurement of the National Electronic Health Record system and associated contracts put in place to address the risks and issues referenced in this PQ. To ensure the contracts tailored to fit the needs of an EHR programme and to afford the state maximum protection, legal practices who specialise in EHR procurements from other jurisdictions, have been formally engaged to work with the legal advisors to the HSE. Lessons learned from contracts established for multiple large scale EHR procurements in the NHS will form multiple clauses in the proposed contract and these parties will be engaged throughout the procurement process and contracting phases to provide expert advice and guidance to complement that normally available to the HSE.
It should be noted that the cost of programmes like this include internal as well as external costs-and whilst the contracts provide levels of protection for fault by vendors, it is still imperative that the HSE manage internal resources, timelines and costs that are directly under their control. Governance structures are being established for the programme to address these issues.
