Consultants on public-only contracts, ranging from 5 per cent in the Dublin and North-East region to 72 per cent in the Mid-West Region.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund said it had suspended all insourcing work at the public hospital since April 11th.

The HSE audit also revealed that targets for reducing waiting lists for children for spinal surgery are not being met

The Labour leader explained the submission of the ineligible expense was a 'technical mistake', adding she was 'more than happy' to refund the amoung in question

Minister for Media, Catherine Martin is to appear before an Oireachtas committee on Wednesday and will tell TDs and senators she is expanding the terms of reference of the forensic accountants, Mazars.