HSE paid two taxi firms over €1m each in 2010

Two taxi companies each received in excess of €1m from the Health Service Executive as part of a €26m total pay-out for patient and staff transport in 2010.

National Radio Cabs received €1.34m and the Cork-based Sun Cabs received €1m in 2010.

Two others received similarly large sums: Leinster-based Dave’s Taxis received €902,000 and Precious Cargo MPV received €812,000.

The figures were released in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Other recipients include Limerick-based Castletroy Corporate Cabs, which received €435,235, West Cork Coach Hire (€424,181) and Frank McEvoy from Bagenalstown, Co Carlow (€414,780).

Furthermore, Pat Busher of Castlebridge, Co Wexford received €396,439; Clare Taxi Services received €303,752; Maurice Fahey of Dungarvan, Co Waterford received €298,981 and Paul Coleman LP Taxi received €207,167.

The latest figures for the HSE show the amount paid to taxis decreased only marginally in the first six months of 2011.

Statistics from January to June last year show the HSE spent €12.93m on taxis — this compares to €26m spent throughout 2010.

The HSE spent a further €1.28m on private ambulances for the first six months of last year. This compares to €2.8m spent throughout 2010 on private ambulances.

Fianna Fáil health spokesman Billy Kelleher said the transfer of patients for treatments such as dialysis was “an essential part of the HSE service”.

He added: “Equally, the HSE should tighten up and ensure that there is no duplication of service or unnecessary trips made.”

According to a statement, the HSE said its “vehicles and their staff are prioritised for front line emergency work and therefore a much more effective service is provided for patients or clients who are not acutely ill through the use of taxis”.

“The use of taxis for patient transport represents a more cost effective solution when compared to investment in a fleet of HSE- owned vehicles for this purpose.

“Additional costs relating to this would include the provision of 24/7 staffing, maintenance, fuel, insurance and tax. The use of taxis also allows the HSE flexibility in the face of variable demand.”

The statement continued: “The HSE recently advertised a National Framework Agreement for Transport Services [taxi, hackney and minibus].

“Regional contracts will be awarded by way of mini competitions from this national agreement. This will have financial and quality benefits accruing to HSE.

“Equally important considerations involving the HSE’s decision to utilise contracted transport services such as taxi services include both quality and patient safety,” the statement concluded.