Consultant to study health service accounting systems

A consultant has been hired by the Government to study two diverse accounting systems operating within the health service.

The appointment of former secretary general at the Department of Finance, Tom Considine was today approved by the Cabinet.

The official will examine the accrual system used by the former health boards and the current cash-based system of the Health Service Executive.

“Mr Considine will study how to improve consistency and transparency between the two systems,” said a Government spokesman.

“He will then make recommendations to the Government on the issue.”