A former senior executive at Ryanair called for an “immediate prohibition” on any new management consultancy contracts for the HSE.
Michael Cawley, the ex-deputy CEO of the airline, said €70 million had been spent on these contracts in 2024 and a “detailed report on the benefits, if any” of that spending should be provided.
In an email to colleagues and the chief executive of the HSE, Mr Cawley – who serves on the HSE board – said that following an analysis of the health service budget, he had identified potential annual savings of up to €300 million.
Targets included the “over prescribing [and] excess supply” of some medications and properties that were lying idle.
He also said all letter correspondence should be eliminated and that patients, suppliers, and others be contacted via email or text.
Mr Cawley said that cutting costs would take people “out of their comfort zone” but that savings could be made while delivering better services to patients.
He wrote: “The reallocation of resources needs to become an everyday, core activity of the HSE. This can only happen if there is full unreasonable commitment from management.”
Asked about the email, which was sent in late January, a HSE spokesperson said: “This record must be understood as it was intended; suggestions by a board member for consideration by the CEO around a wide range of issues in relation to areas of potential cost savings. It must be noted that this does not constitute decisions.
“The welcome input from the board member was one of many engagements by the CEO as he sought inputs on areas to maximise savings across the health service.”