The Agreed Programme for Government sets out that the national health strategy will be implemented through a co-ordinated multiannual programme of service development. Investment in the health system is therefore a priority for this Government and the level of investment each year will be determined taking into account the overall Exchequer position and the various demands for resources.
Commitments for 2003 on the level of additional funding for the health services, including the continued implementation of the strategy, have not yet been decided upon by the Government as the increased expenditure arising from the health strategy will be decided as part of the normal annual Estimates process.