asked the Minister for Health if he considers it is possible, in the light of recent reports at the annual general meeting of the Irish Nurses' Organisation and the National Council of Nurses of Ireland, to look again at the means by which cutbacks in the health services are being implemented so as to lessen hardship for the weakest section of society.
Written Answers. - Health Services Expenditure.
127.
When notifying health boards of their non-capital allocation for 1985, the boards were advised that budgetary strategy for the years 1985 to 1987 should be determined in the light of the decisions contained in and the thrust of the health sections of the national plan. The plan envisaged that the major change for the future would be a greater emphasis on disease prevention and community services. It was recognised, however, that a major constraint in effecting a significant shift of resources towards these areas would be the overall level of funds available. The question of the specific measures necessary to contain expenditure within the approved levels is a matter for each health board, having regard to the general policy guideline referred to above.