merrion street

• · Continuation of services over-riding priority for Ministers Harris & McEntee 
• · Confirm HSE has provided Internal Audit to the Gardai 
• · Confirm PAC will receive internal audit ahead of meeting with HSE 
• · Minister McEntee to meet David Hall & trustees

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris and the Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health, Helen McEntee were briefed this evening by the HSE’s Mental Health Division on the detail of the Internal Audit they have completed on the Console charity.
Minister Harris, who requested and received a copy of the Internal Audit from the HSE late last Friday evening, has described what he had read, as disgusting and disturbing.
Minister Harris said: “I intend to update the Cabinet tomorrow on this issue. My absolute priority is to ensure that the much needed services being provided are not adversely impacted and that the bereavement services, the counselling services and the Helpline continue. That is the challenge for the HSE and one which I expect they will deliver on.

“I am pleased that the HSE will be going before PAC next week, which they are very happy to do and I have asked that given the nature and the scale of the issues in relation to Console that PAC members get a copy of the Internal Audit in advance of the meeting. The HSE has confirmed that this will happen.”

Minister McEntee said: “I intend to meet with the interim CEO, David Hall, and the trustees in the coming days. I appreciate that he has taken on this role at a difficult time and I want to hear his views on how to move forward. What is important now is that people have faith in the steps that are being taken to address these serious concerns.

“Having met the HSE and Department officials, I am confident that the audit has been carried out in a comprehensive and thorough manner. This was reported by the HSE to the Gardai in mid-February and they have since been furnished with a copy of the Internal Audit report.”

“The vast majority of voluntary organisations provide a valuable and trustworthy service and I would encourage people to continue to use these services”, concluded Minister McEntee.