asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the South Eastern Health Board are obliged to carry an overdraft of £7,500,000; the amount of interest per annum which will have to be paid on such overdrafts; if his Department will pay such interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Board Overdrafts.
116.
The overdraft needs of all health boards will be reviewed on a weekly basis between now and the end of the year. The current approved level of overdraft sanctioned by me for the South Eastern Health Board is £4 million and this will be adjusted as appropriate between now and the end of the year. Overdraft interest is a charge which must be borne by each health board within its approved allocation.