HSE pays €7m rent despite vacancies

THE HSE has spent almost €7 million since the start of 2009 renting 43 private properties in Cork city — despite having empty spaces in publicly-owned buildings in Munster.

Figures revealed by health service management confirm the properties are being rented to house mental health services, primary care centres, homelessness units and registration buildings, among other specialities.

Details provided during the HSE South’s latest regional health forum show the facilities cost €2.975m in 2009 and €3.161m last year.