HSE figures on Sec 38s & 39s show need for PAC to continue its work – Harris

Fine Gael Wicklow TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) said that figures received by him from the HSE, detailing the level of taxpayers’ money being paid to Section 38 and Section 39 organisations, underline the need for transparency.

The figures, provided by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question by Deputy Harris, show that Section 38 organisations received more than €2.6 billion in taxpayers’ money in 2012, while Section 39 organisations received more than €765 million.

“These figures set out in stark detail the level of taxpayers’ money being provided to each Section 38 and Section 39 organisation in the State.

“More than 670 organisations fall under the ‘Section 39’ heading, and the level of funding awarded to each organisation varies hugely. For example, Rehab, which is under renewed spotlight today as a result of revelations surrounding the profit levels for its scratch cards and lottery tickets, received €41 million in funding from the State last year.

“Almost €3.5 billion in taxpayers’ money is being given to these organisations every year. This huge level of funding makes it of paramount importance that we have complete transparency on how these funds are being spent.

“There is an onus on each organisation to provide full details on their accounts, their corporate governance structures and a breakdown on how they are spending taxpayers’ money.”

ENDS