At the commencement of the NDP, my Department notified indicative funding figures to the health boards for the years 2001-2006. Indicative figures were not given to the boards for 2000 as this was a transitional year to meet previous and ongoing capital commitments in the health sector. The indicative funding figures were prepared for major care programmes for each board for 2001-06 in line with a number of criteria.
The indicative funding figures were designed to assist boards plan a multi-annual capital programme in greater detail than previously, but were never intended to be year on year budget allocations.
While my Department is at present reviewing the NDP, it is intended that health boards will receive, in so far as is possible, the funding indicated to them over the life of the plan. However, it may be necessary to provide for annual adjustments for certain boards at particular times to cater for unforeseen circumstances which may arise such as changes in timing of projects, etc. which necessitate the need for annual review of plans and funding.