asked the Minister for Health if any Irish firm has been asked to tender for the installation of laboratory computerised systems in Irish hospitals; if not, the reason; and if the normal regulations for public purchasing in this instance have been followed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laboratory Computerised Systems.
9.
I must explain that what was being sought for Irish hospitals was an integrated system, one which would administer the different areas of a hospital, viz patient recording, pharmacy, x-ray, laboratory, catering and so on. It must be made quite clear that the product in question is simply not made in Ireland. There is no question of being able to buy it from an Irish company, other than as agents.
Requests for such integrated hospital systems went out to some 35 suppliers who were active here in the supply of computer hardware and software. The chosen product provides an administrative system for all areas of a hospital and is supplied by an American company through its Irish subsidiary.
I am satisfied that the normal regulations for public purchasing have been followed in this instance.
Will the Minister accept that there was a lot of criticism at the time of the type of equipment purchased by the Department by a professor in one of our universities who is involved in that field? Will the Minister comment on that?
In relation to such a major policy decision I would stress that on the closest investigation by me I am satisfied that this was carried out in an impeccable manner within my Department, such as the seeking of submissions, and then the working group deciding on the best facility. I hold the view that on examination by me of the criticism the bulk of it was not without self-interest.
The Minister will be aware that in future there is to be a significant volume of this type of equipment used in the Department and in the educational services. Has he made any representations to the IDA or the promotional agencies to bring home to them the need to get involved in this computer software area which will provide enormous job opportunities for us? We do not seem to be able to reap the benefits from this new development at the present time.
That is clearly a separate question for a different Minister.
The Department will be utilising this type of equipment in the future and the Minister would have responsibility in this area.
The company concerned undertook to set up an Irish company initially with a 50-50 Irish and American base, and to achieve a wholly Irish base within two to three years. The company intend to maintain and further develop products sold in Ireland with an Irish staff. They also undertook to provide all modifications required by health managements without cost.
I want to stress that some Irish firms have limited products in certain areas of the laboratory without having an overall administrative system integrated with modules for other areas of the hospital, and in particular with the patient data base. On balance I feel the criticism does not stand up.
Were the management or staff of the hospitals consulted before this equipment was purchased?
The professional staff of my Department sought the maximum possible degree of information from a number of hospitals and projected areas which were intended for use, for example, Tralee hospital. As the Deputy knows, that required trade union negotiations and there were discussions with one union in particular. I was involved in those discussions and the union received assurances so far as people working in hospitals could be given assurances but, overall the matter has been resolved.