Exclusive: Leaked audio reveals financial dysfunction and distrust in the health system

A recording of an internal Department of Health meeting on January 27 contains references to ‘fake targets’, concerns about the HSE’s financial ‘sloppiness’ and the credibility of health budgets

Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health: the leaked recording poses a headache for his department. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews

A leaked recording of an internal Department of Health meeting has revealed worrying concerns about “fake targets”, “dysfunction” and distrust at the heart of the health system.

The Business Post has obtained a recording of a meeting of department officials held on January 27 to discuss issues that were on the agenda for the Health Budget Oversight Group, which includes the HSE and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).

The comments made by those ...