The Confidential Recipient for Vulnerable Persons has communicated her serious concern to the HSE CEO about the role’s “continued independence”, it has emerged through parliamentary questions (PQs). The new reporting line has prompted concern from the Confidential Recipient about an inherent conflict of interest. The HSE also stated the delegation that established the Confidential Recipient was “no longer valid” as it was issued by a former HSE Director General to a previous Confidential Recipient. The delegation also outlines that any dispute as to whether a function has been delegated to the Confidential Recipient will be decided by the Director General. ‘Very independent’The late Ms Leigh Gath, a disability activist and Thalidomide survivor, was the first Confidential Recipient.

Source: Irish Independent February 25, 2026 15:03 UTC