asked the Minister for Health the reduction in real terms in the allocation to each health board in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
Written Answers. - Allocations to Health Boards.
496.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
Percentage Change in Allocations in Real Terms
|
Health Board |
1983 over 1982 |
1984 over 1983 |
1985 over 1984 |
|
Eastern |
-1.1 |
-0.6 |
+0.5 |
|
Midland |
-1.4 |
-3.6 |
-0.5 |
|
Mid-Western |
-2.7 |
-3.1 |
-0.6 |
|
North Eastern |
-3.0 |
-2.8 |
+0.7 |
|
North Western |
-2.8 |
-3.4 |
-0.6 |
|
South Eastern |
-1.8 |
-2.8 |
-0.2 |
|
Southern |
-1.5 |
-2.0 |
+1.8 |
|
Western |
-2.3 |
-3.5 |
-0.9 |
Notes
1. In the absence of a standard health services price index, the percentage changes in allocations have been expressed in real terms by using the annual average consumer price index increases. These were 10.4 per cent in 1983 and 8.6 per cent in 1984. The forecast 1985 increase is 5.75 per cent.
2. The figures for "1983 over 1982" and "1984 over 1983" relate to the revised approved allocations in each of these years. The allocations for 1985 will be revised in the light of approved pay increases. The figures quoted for "1985 to 1984" consequently relate to the change in the original approved allocation for 1985 as compared to the original approved allocation for 1984.
3. The difference in percentage changes as between health boards can be explained by a variety of factors including differences in pay/non-pay relationships, differences in numbers eligible for cash allowances and the relative extent to which health boards avail themselves of facilities in extern voluntary hospitals etc. (the percentages quoted in the table are derived from the allocations for direct expenditure (including provision for the expenditure of the General Medical Services (Payments) Board)).
4. A significant factor in the relative situation of the Southern Health Board was the provision of a special allocation to meet revenue expenditure arising from the commissioning of the new hospital in Tralee.
5. The allocations to health boards (from which the percentages quoted in the table are derived) are expressed in net terms taking account of income accruing to the boards such as patient receipts etc. Such income increases from year to year and, when taken into account, improves progressively the spending levels of the boards.