Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
387. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his response to the findings of the Committee on Public Accounts which were forwarded to him in respect of the HSE not discharging an artist ration award to the North Meath Community Development Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11253/16]
View answer411. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the failure of the HSE to discharge an arbitration award to the North Meath Community Development Association. [11251/16]
View answer412. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his response to the findings of the Committee on Public Accounts which were forwarded to him in respect of the executive not discharging an artist ration award to the North Meath Community Development Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11252/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 387, 411 and 412 together.
The HSE occupies the premises in question under a lease from North Meath Community Development Association (NMCDA). Arbitration awards were made on 17 September 2008 and on 8 August 2012 in respect of rent reviews due on 1 May, 2004 and 1 May 2009 respectively. The awards in question were made by two separate arbitrators and both awards have been honoured in full by the Health Service Executive, with full retrospective effect from the operative dates in question.
In a comprehensive written response on this matter, dated 14 March, 2016 to the Clerk of Committee of Public Accounts the Director General of the HSE affirmed that this matter relates to a thirty (30) year Lease of premises at Oldcastle Road, Kells, County Meath, between the above association and the then North Eastern Health Board and Meath Sheltered Workshop, commencing on 1 August, 2001. The Terms and Conditions of the Lease were agreed by all parties at the time of the execution of the Lease. Since the commencement of the Lease, the rent payable has been reviewed by two Independent Arbitrators on two separate occasions. As already indicated above all monies due on foot of the lease have been paid.
Having had the matter thoroughly reviewed the Director General, in his letter to the Clerk of the Committee of Public Accounts has confirmed that he is satisfied that the HSE has acted appropriately at all times and has adhered with the Terms and Conditions of the Lease.
