The HSE is the largest purchaser in the state spending in the region of €4billion annually on a diverse range of goods, services and works projects.

There are five major (in excess of €100m p.a.) categories of expenditure:

• Medical Equipment, Supplies and Services including orthopaedic, renal dialysis, dental, ophthalmic, cardiac, medical gases, radiotherapy, continence products, aids and appliances
• Drugs and Medicines including vaccines
• Facilities Management including construction, engineering, security, horticulture and waste management
• Professional Services including medical, accounting, legal and management
• Health Services involving outside agencies

There are a further 14 significant (between €10m and €100m p.a.) categories of expenditure:

• Education & Training
• Laboratory
• Insurance
• Office Equipment & Supplies
• Information Communication & Technology
• Cleaning Services
• Utilities
• Catering
• Transport & Travel
• Blood & Blood Products
• Imaging
• Clothing & Textiles
• Furniture (Office & Medical)
• Printing