Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Expenditure.

Ivor Callely

Question:

158 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health and Children the health expenditure in 2001; the likely expenditure in 2002 to 2007; the health expenditure per head of population in 2001; the comparative figures for 1996 and 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5968/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Gross health expenditure for 2001 was €7,077.260 million, of which capital was €373.620 million and non-capital was €6,703.640 million. Gross health expenditure for 2002 will be approximately €8,188.582 million, of which capital is €496.575 million and non-capital is €7,692.007 million. The gross expenditure total for 2002 represents a 16% increase on the 2001 out-turn. When account is taken of the appropriations-in-aid income, the net expenditure total is €6,991.848 million, representing a 17% increase on the 2001 out-turn. This is further proof of this Government's commitment to the provision of a quality, patient-centred health service.

Expenditure projections are not available in respect of the years to 2007. However, consistent with the practice used by the Department of Finance when compiling the Revised Estimates Volume, the no-policy-change implication of the 2002 Estimate, for the years 2003 and 2004 will be published shortly.

The expenditure per head of population as requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Year	Gross Non-CapitalOut-turn€m	Expenditure per head of population€m
2001	6,703.640	1,746
1996	2,989.238	824
1995	2,919.104	805

This Government in its term of office has increased health expenditure from €2,989.238 million in 1996 under the previous Government to €6,703.640 million in 2001 in respect of non-capital or day-to-day expenditure. This represents an increase of 124%.