Head of HSE says there is no ‘black hole’ in its budget

Mr Reid said he was surprised by the language reported and said the figures quoted by the government officials were “factually incorrect.”

The head of the HSE said there is no black hole in its budget and rejected claims of “sloppiness” in its financial reporting.

Paul Reid also moved to defend its recruitment plans, denying there were “fake targets” for hiring staff within the health system.