The referral of an unpublished report into Children’s Health Ireland to An Garda Síochána shows officials are taking its allegations “very seriously”, an expert in public policy has said.
The report concluded in 2021 but its findings have not yet been made public; however, it is understood to contain allegations concerning a toxic work culture and waiting list irregularities.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Irish Times Public Policy Correspondent Martin Wall said the Cabinet subcommittee on health was briefed about the referral yesterday.
“At that meeting last evening, the Ministers were told that the HSE had referred this report to Gardaí for possible investigation,” he said.
“Two weeks ago, when details of this story were initially revealed in the Sunday Times, the head of the HSE Bernard Gloster basically indicated that he had been blindsided by this, he hadn’t seen it but he said that he would read it.
“He said that if anyone was found ingratiating themselves financially, there would be a possible referral to the Guards.”
An Garda Síochána will now consider the details of the allegations and Mr Wall said he expects the Government will face calls from the opposition to publish the report.
He added it is being taken “very seriously” by both the Government and the HSE.
NTPF
The report is also understood to include calls for a review of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which funds Children’s Health Ireland.
“The NTPF is a fundamental part of the Government’s policy in relation to tackling waiting lists,” Mr Wall said.
“It receives nearly a quarter of a billion euro every year and I think the Government wants to take all steps to ensure that people have confidence in this system, that this system is actually working.”
Children’s Health Ireland has been contacted for comment.
Main image: Members of Gardaí on patrol in Dublin city centre. Picture by: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
