HSE paid almost €260k to agency, unable to employ chief on €116k

The Health Service boss has admitted paying out more than €258,000 in agency fees because they couldn't find anyone to take on a job paying €116,000.

The Public Accounts Committee has heard that the Chief Operations Officer for the Mid-West hospitals group position was advertised twice - but no suitable candidate was found, and they were forced to go to an agency and hire in expertise.