THE CONTROVERSIAL computerised pay system (Ppars) debacle should not deter the State from investing in computer technology within the health service, the Dáil has heard.
Minister for Health Mary Harney defended plans to invest in further technology in the wake of some €180 million being spent on Ppars in the past 12 years.
Among the problems with the Ppars system were incorrect specifications when it was started and “the anticipated cost was not correct”. She added that “notwithstanding the experience with Ppars we must not . . . run away from the need to invest in information communications technology within our health system”.
Fine Gael health spokesman Dr James Reilly questioned proposed investment costs and said that “at a time when we cannot afford vaccines for children, will the Minister outline how she proposes to ensure this does not end up being another fiasco like Ppars”?
Dr Reilly had asked about plans to spend €78 million on a new computer system, but the Minister said there was “no proposal to spend €78 million to replace Ppars . . .”
The HSE is currently recruiting a director of information communications technology.
