Health board offices - Decision to spend €9.5m beyond belief

WHAT’S going on at the North Western Health Board? That’s the €9.5 million question following today’s revelation that this princely sum was poured into new headquarters without permission.

It is mind-boggling that a public body unilaterally spent taxpayers’ money outside the parameters of set guidelines.

Apparently, the board sought permission for a loan to fund the project but this was ruled out by the Department of Finance, while health officials are still studying the request.

However, the offices have been built and staff have already moved in. To help fund the project, fixed assets worth €4.1m were sold off in 2002.

Arguably, if a similar approach was adopted in other regions the health service would be in even greater turmoil. Not only was there no central funding for the venture, the construction work began before the department was even aware of it.

A pertinent question to be raised by the Dáil Public Accounts Committee is whether wards were closed or staffing levels reduced when the board was spending €9.5m.

Is it any wonder the health service is a black hole?