Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 April 2011
147 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of Government funding to a company (details supplied); if he has any concern or role in the salary being paid to the CEO; his views on recent information regarding the company relations with a private company and a conflict of interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9160/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic funding for health and personal social services to the Rehab Group is provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). A total of €39.9 million was provided to RehabCare in 2010. My Department has asked the HSE to provide details of any other company in the Rehab Group of companies that received funding from the HSE in 2010 and I will let the Deputy have this information as soon as possible.
The Government is concerned to ensure that all State funding is allocated appropriately, efficiently and effectively. While I have no direct role in relation to the salary of the CEO in the Rehab Group or their procurement arrangements, it is vital that the State receives value for money for any services funded by the taxpayer. In that context, I will be asking Rehab for a report on the CEO's remuneration package.
The Comptroller and Auditor General raised concerns in the past regarding accountability in respect of funding provided to voluntary organisations in the disability sector. In response to those concerns, the HSE has worked closely with the disability sector in recent years to develop Service Level Arrangements which provide the required level of accountability for public funds. In addition, health funding provided to all disability organisations is being examined in depth by my Department in a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Disability Services. The Review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
