Dermot Ahern
Question:525 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the average amount spent per head of population by each of the health boards in its respective areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Boards Expenditure.
Net non-capital expenditure, per head of population for each health board area is as follows:
|
Health Board Area |
Non-Capital Expenditure per head of population |
|
(IR£) |
|
|
Eastern |
453 |
|
Midland |
406 |
|
Mid-Western |
349 |
|
North-Eastern |
301 |
|
North-Western |
501 |
|
South-Eastern |
393 |
|
Southern |
350 |
|
Western |
462 |
The figures quoted are in respect of direct expenditure by each health board and the relevant amount spent by public voluntary hospitals and the GMS (Payments) Board on behalf of each board. Expenditure per head of population is calculated on the basis of the 1986 census of population.
It should be noted that expenditure per head of population is an unweighted average and fails to take account of a number of important demographic and geographic factors. The difference in the cost of health care in each region is also influenced by other factors such as access to higher specialties, density of population and the present stage of development of the services. This should be borne in mind when using these figures for comparative purposes.