Bernard J. Durkan
Question:86 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the precise amount in terms of extra expenditure involved which is proposed for the health services. [14785/01]
Written Answers. - Health Service Expenditure.
As I indicated following the meeting of the Government on Monday, 14 May last, the purpose of the meeting in the Ballymascanlon Hotel was to present to the Government an overview of the health services with regard to progress being made and critical areas which will need further development in the future such as services for older persons, acute hospitals etc.
The key themes described in the presentation to Government were: a general overview of the system including the achievements over the past four years and the service requirements in the next seven years; human resource issues including workforce planning issues, staff retention, regulation of professions, and partnership working; an overview of current and alternative funding strategies including a central taxation funded system, social insurance fund, and private health insurance; an analysis of current delivery systems including the current organisational structure and the principles governing a review of the current structure; an overview of the health status of the population; and finally, an analysis of overall health spending and comparisons with other EU Countries.
The underlying demographics and service pressures were set out in these presentations and it is clear that there are significant resource implications arising from the expected demographic changes. In addition, the presentation described our comparative health status with fellow EU member states where it is clear that our rates compare most unfavourably with other EU countries across many key indicators.
The question asked for the "precise amount in terms of extra expenditure involved", however this will not become clear until further work is done, for example, with the health boards on more defined needs at local level.
In conclusion, the health system must demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness as an integral aspect of the new strategy and to that end the Deloitte and Touche report on VFM in the health services will, I believe, be of crucial importance when completed in the near future.