Ex-HSE worker questioned in fraud probe

A former HSE employee at the centre of a major Garda probe into alleged fraud at a Cork hospital was released without charge last night.

Gardaí said they will now prepare a file for the DPP in relation to the case.

The man, aged in his 40s, who worked at the former St Mary’s Orthopaedic hospital in Gurranabraher on the northside of Cork City, was arrested by detectives at an address on the southside of the city yesterday morning.

He was detained under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows gardaí to hold suspects for up to 24 hours, and was taken to Gurranabraher Garda Station for questioning. He released without charge in the afternoon.

The arrest followed a lengthy investigation by gardaí from Gurranabraher and officers from the fraud squad at Anglesea St into allegations of fraud at the hospital.

Acting on foot of complaints from the HSE, gardaí raided an area of the hospital on Jul 6 and conducted a search.

Gardaí seized a number of documents, files, records, and computers which have been subjected to detailed examination in recent weeks.

The HSE has been liaising with gardaí as part of the investigation.

It is understood a large sum of money is involved and the investigation has traced certain transactions dating back several months.

It is also understood that the man has left his position at the former orthopaedic hospital, which is now known as St Mary’s Healthcare complex, and is no longer a HSE employee.