Latest news with #Dolan
Extra.ie
12-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Procurement spending at HSE triples to over €4bn
The HSE's spend on public procurement has tripled in the past four years to exceed an 'alarming' €4billion, new figures show. Figures provided to Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan reveal that spending on procurement in the health system has 'surged' from €1.29billion in 2020 to €4.19billion in 2024. Mr Dolan told that, in the absence of the much-delayed financial management system in the health service, a system 'to ensure accountability and value for money are simply not in place'. He expressed concern that despite the 'dramatic growth' in procurement spending since 2020, the agency could not 'provide basic data on how these funds were managed'. The HSE's spend on public procurement has tripled in the past four years to exceed an 'alarming' €4billion, new figures show. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland Mr Dolan described the lack of a financial management system in the HSE as 'extraordinary'. 'The figures speak for themselves,' he said. 'We have seen procurement spending more than triple in just five years. Yet the HSE is unable to provide fundamental information about whether this spending is staying within contract limits. It is extraordinary that at a time when public money is being committed at this scale, the systems to ensure accountability and value for money are simply not in place.' The HSE is expected to introduce an 'integrated financial management system to oversee its procurement. Mr Dolan called on Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the HSE leadership to 'immediately publish a timeline for the delivery of the system and to commit to producing annual reports on procurement compliance once the system is live. 'The public is entitled to know where billions in taxpayer funds are going and whether that money is being spent efficiently and effectively,' he said. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos 'This is not about individual contracts or suppliers. It's about whether we have the capacity as a State to manage public money responsibly at a time of unprecedented demand on health services.' Mr Dolan's comments come following a litany of spending scandals within the Government – including the controversial National Children's Hospital, which will exceed €2billion in cost and won't receive patients until June 2026. More recently, the health service has been battling a scandal over 'insourcing' activity in certain hospitals. Insourcing involves public hospitals engaging external companies to deliver services, often outside of normal working hours and using HSE-owned facilities. In many cases, the external providers may employ HSE staff to deliver the work, typically at premium rates. The work is funded through the National Treatment Purchase Fund – an initiative established to tackle waiting lists in public hospitals. The HSE commissioned an audit of all insourcing activity after allegations of consultants abusing the NTPF emerged. It found that almost €100million was paid out to roughly 950 companies under the NTPF over a 27-month period. According to senior members of the health service, 50 firms make up 'the vast majority of the spend'.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Orange Lodge blast ‘reckless' air rifle yobs after Glasgow march chaos
OUT OF ORDER Orange Lodge blast 'reckless' air rifle yobs after Glasgow march chaos ORANGE Order chiefs have blasted yobs who fired an air rifle at a Battle of the Boyne march in Glasgow. Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city yesterday for the annual procession. 4 Orange Order bosses slammed yobs who fired an air rifle at marchers (STOCK IMAGE) Credit: Getty 4 Thousands of Orange Lodge members marched through the city as part of a Battle of the Boyne celebration (STOCK IMAGE) Credit: Getty 4 Nobody was seriously injured in the air rifle incident (STOCK IMAGE) Credit: Getty 4 Marchers in Glasgow yesterday Credit: PA Four marchers were hit with pellets after the weapon was fired at them on Sauchiehall Street as they passed Kelvingrove Street. Nobody was seriously hurt in the shocking incident but bosses have blasted those behind the incident. The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland asked to meet with the First Minister about the "cowardly" act which they say "endangered lives". A spokesperson said: "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland expresses deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred yesterday, where members of our Institution were targeted and fired upon with an air rifle. "This reckless act has escalated the level of hostility towards the Orange Order, endangering the lives of our members. "The Most Worthy Grand Master urgently requests a meeting with the First Minister of Scotland to address this incident and the escalating tide of anti-Protestant sentiment we face daily. "We urge the First Minister to take decisive action against these hate crimes, including condemning the attacks on our properties and our members. "The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland stands united with the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow and Police Scotland in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are swiftly brought to justice." Cops have confirmed they are proving the "dangerous" incident. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, who was the event commander for the annual Boyne processions in Glasgow and Lanarkshire, said: "We are investigating a incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were stuck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets. 'Thankfully, no one was seriously injured; and our enquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing." The top cop also confirmed no one had been arrested at the Glasgow Orange Walk. Four people were arrested for alleged breach of the peace and anti-social behaviour offences at the Orange Walks in Lanarkshire. Chief Superintendent Dolan added: "Police in Lanarkshire made four arrests following the Orange Order procession on Saturday, 5 July 2025, the offences were primarily for breach of the peace and acts of anti-social behaviour. 'There were no arrests at the event in Glasgow. "A proportionate policing plan was in place, and we worked with a range of partners to ensure public safety and reduce disruption to the wider community. "I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout."
The National
06-07-2025
- The National
4 marchers hit with air pellets during Glasgow Order Orange Walk
The incident occurred on Saturday when the procession was passing along Sauchiehall Street, near Kelvingrove Street, Police Scotland said. Police said no one was injured, but investigations into the 'dangerous' incident were ongoing. It comes as four people were arrested after an Orange Order procession in Lanarkshire. READ MORE: How many Orange Order walks are in your council area in 2025? The marches were part of the Orange Order annual celebrations on the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690. In Glasgow, on the biggest Orange Order parade day of the year, thousands of participants took part in 'feeder' marches from different areas of the city, before congregating in the city centre for a parade to Glasgow Green. We told how Scotland would see more than 100 Orange Walks in one day. Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan, event commander for the Boyne processions, said the Lanarkshire arrests were for breach of the peace and anti-social behaviour. He confirmed no arrests had been made in Glasgow. "We are investigating an incident on Sauchiehall Street near to Kelvingrove Street in Glasgow, where four participants in the procession were struck by what was believed to be air weapon pellets,' Dolan said. "Thankfully, no one required medical assistance. "Our inquiries into this dangerous occurrence are ongoing." Dolan added: "I would like to thank the vast majority of the participants, and the wider community, who engaged positively and behaved responsibly throughout."
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Galway schools chosen for pilot application system aimed at fairer enrolment process
It will begin with primary schools in five towns: Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore. Galway's Albert Dolan TD called the plan a 'hugely positive step forward' to offer a unified online application system for placements in the 2026-2027 academic school year for families in the Athenry area. 'I'm particularly pleased that this initiative recognises the importance of timely and transparent access to special education placements, and that Athenry has been selected as one of the pilot areas. This speaks to the town's strong and growing educational infrastructure, including the excellent work being done in Presentation College, Clarin College, and Coláiste an Eachréidh.' Parents can apply to participating schools using a single online form and schools will begin to process the applications within defined timelines simplifying the entrance process. Other key benefits include: •A simplified and transparent application process •Reduced stress for families and children •Better data for school and departmental planning •A streamlined approach to managing special class placements •Reduced administrative overhead for schools The pilot is introduced in efforts to develop a common system that supports long-term planning, equitable access, and inclusive education. Deputy Dolan said: 'I have long advocated for a more equitable school admissions system that works for all families. This pilot is a major step in that direction, and I look forward to engaging with local schools, parents, and the Department to ensure its success here in Galway East.' Further information will be available to parents and guardian in September 2025 and applications will officially open October 1, 2025 for school placements the following September. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Boston Globe
26-06-2025
- Boston Globe
Two Lynnfield town workers resign after racist remarks caught on hot mic before high school graduation
Neither the workers who quit nor the reinstated employee were named. That third worker's been told 'to report similar future incidents or comments to their supervisor as soon as possible,' officials said. The town said its review of the matter is complete. 'As stated at the outset, the Town of Lynnfield leaders stand together in outrage over what occurred and continue to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town, will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with immediately,' the statement said. Officials had said previously that they were investigating after town workers setting up for the Lynnfield High School graduation on June 6 allegedly made racist remarks that were picked up by a microphone and livestreamed to the Internet, where they could be heard by any concerned listener with wifi. Advertisement 'During a live streaming of the Lynnfield High School graduation, town employees were overheard using inappropriate and racist words,' said town administrator Robert J. Dolan and assistant town administrator Robert E. Curtin Advertisement The school system's superintendent, police chief, and select board were informed of the reported comments, 'We, as town leaders, stand together in outrage over what has been reported this evening and wish to state emphatically that racist language and behavior has no place in our town and will be dealt with immediately,' Dolan and Curtin said. School Committee member 'By now, hundreds of Lynnfield Public Schools students have heard these words. And just as importantly, they are now watching what we do next,' Superintendent of Schools Tom Geary and School Committee Chair Kristen Elworthy said in a statement earlier this month they were outraged that students and parents were 'exposed to such harmful language.' 'We recognize that for many in our community this incident is deeply painful. We hear you, and we stand with you,' they said. An excerpt of the live stream shows at least three town workers setting up folding chairs on a football field and apparently engaging in a back-and-forth exchange of racist comments. Dolan and Curtin said it was unfortunate that the exchange overshadowed the celebration. 'It is especially regrettable that this incident took place on what is and should be a night to celebrate our incredible seniors. Such incidents, however, must be confronted directly and openly and a full investigation and appropriate action will be taken,' they Advertisement Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at
