Ivor Callely
Question:143 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the total debts of the eight health boards; his plans, if any, to address their debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Board Debts.
I am not in a position to provide the details sought by the Deputy in relation to the total debts of the health boards as the accounts for two of the health boards in respect of the year ended 31 December 1992 are not yet available. I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the information becomes available.
I assume that the Deputy has a particular interest in the debt problem arising from the excess expenditure incurred by health boards since 1984, which has not been funded by the Exchequer. The future arrangements for the financing of this portion of the health boards' debt is at an advanced stage of discussion between my Department and the Department of Finance and I would hope that a decision on this matter will be taken shortly.