HSE Audit and Risk Committee meeting minutes 22 November 2024

Members Present

Yvonne Traynor (Chair), Michelle O’Sullivan, Pat Kirwan, Eimear Fisher and Sharon Keogh

Apologies

John Moody

HSE Executive Attendance

Brian O’Connell (Interim ND Capital & Estates), Dara Purcell (Corporate Secretary), Niamh Drew (Deputy Corporate Secretary), Patricia Perry (Office of the Board)

Minutes reflect the order in which items were considered and are numbered in accordance with the original agenda.  All performance/activity data used in this document refers to the latest information available at the time.

1.1 HSE Infrastructure Capital Plan 2025 – Penultimate draft

The Interim National Director Capital & Estates (ND CE) presented the draft HSE Capital Plan 2025 to the Committee and advised that the final draft will be presented to the Board on the 26 November 2024 for approval prior to formal submission to the Minister for Health and Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth.

The Interim ND CE outlined that the Letters of Determination from the Department of Health and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth provided capital funding of €1.357 billion in 2025 for infrastructure and equipment. In addition €80 million is to be provided from the HSE’s income account (proceeds from insurance claims, project contributions, sale of assets etc.) A summary of the capital allocation from each Department was provided to the Committee.

The Committee noted that the Capital Plan incorporates input from operational services, supported by strategic input at corporate level and in consultation with both Departments. The Interim ND CE outlined the allocation of funding to meet all contractual commitments with priority given to ambulance replacement, equipment replacement programme, infrastructural risk, Climate Action, New National Children’s Hospital, Local Injury Units, Mental Health, Acute Hospitals, Older Persons, Disability and the Capital Project Initiation Appraisal & Development funding. The

remaining funding has been allocated to projects prioritised by the National Capital and Property Steering Committee, and provided a breakdown of the 2025 allocation.

The Committee considered with close scrutiny the detail of the Draft Capital Plan and provided commentary on a number of issues relating to the draft Plan. It was agreed that a response to all queries would be communicated to the Committee members along with a copy of the Capital Plan with amendments highlighted.

The Chair thanked the Interim ND CE and team for their input and the time given to the draft Capital Plan.

The Committee agreed to endorse the draft Capital Plan 2025 for onward submission to the Board for consideration and approval.

The Committee asked that an update in relation to the Equipment Replacement programme be brought to a future Committee meeting.

It was noted that members were receiving communications from a retired employee who has disputes with the HSE in relation to both superannuation and remuneration. This matter is being addressed through the appropriate process and procedures within the HSE. It was agreed that a note would be forwarded to members for information purposes.

The Chair thanked the Committee members, and the meeting ended at 17.10.

Terms of Reference: Audit and Risk Committee