HSE warns charities over cash piles

The incoming head of the HSE has warned that charities could be hit with funding cutbacks after it emerged some are holding “significant” levels of cash in their accounts.

HSE director designate Tony O’Brien made the controversial claim during the latest meeting of the Oireachtas public accounts committee yesterday.

Responding to a January Irish Examiner report which revealed a HSE internal audit examining the potential over-funding situation, Mr O’Brien admitted the issue was now being considered.