Batt O'Keeffe
Question:85 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the number of health boards that exceeded their budget in 1995; the health boards concerned; and the amount of the overrun in each case. [3104/96]
Written Answers. - Health Boards' Budgets.
Limerick East): Final outturn figures in respect of health boards' expenditure for 1995 are not yet available. It is normal practice for boards to take some extra time to complete their year end accounting arrangements. I expect these financial returns to be submitted by end February.
Nevertheless, my Department has had discussions with individual boards regarding likely 1995 expenditure and the outcome indicated is that approved expenditure levels will not be exceeded.
Where a board incurs expenditure in excess of its approved level, it is required to treat such excess expenditure as a first charge when determining its financial and service plan for the following year. Overall, I do not anticipate a problem with 1995 expenditure.