Hep C support group spent €13k on pamper weekend

A hepatitis C support group whose funding has been pulled spent almost €13,000 of public funds on a pampering and relaxation weekend despite being instructed not to do so, according to the Health Service Executive.

Positive Action, which is holding an extraordinary general meeting today, was formally notified this week that the HSE is no longer prepared to fund the group because of serious concerns about “inappropriate and extravagant” use of public funds.

The group had two visa cards for corporate expenses with spending limits of €8,000 and €10,000, but correspondence seen by the Irish Examiner indicates the HSE was unaware of the existence of a second card until last July.