Search for HSE banking provider underway

The HSE has begun the process of selecting a new banking provider, the Medical Independent (MI) has been informed. 

Ulster Bank has provided banking services to the HSE since 2007. At the November meeting of the HSE audit and risk committee, there was a discussion regarding Ulster Bank’s plans to leave the Irish banking market this year. 

An Executive spokesperson told MI that the “initial review process” to find a new banking provider will be completed before the end of March. 

The November meeting of the audit and risk committee heard that the HSE Treasury had “engaged with HSE Procurement and the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) regarding the HSE’s banking contract”. 

“Additionally, the OGP have advised that the HSE may use the Government framework agreement that has been established with Danske Bank. The committee noted that work is ongoing to ensure the organisation is ready for the transition and is working to an understanding that the HSE will receive notice of termination of banking services in early 2022 giving the HSE six months to move to a new provider. 

“It has been noted that the HSE’s banking services will not be moved by Ulster Bank to an alternative provider.” 

A HSE spokesperson told MI last month that it had yet to receive formal notice of termination from Ulster Bank. They added that use of the Government framework agreement with Dankse Bank “is under consideration”.