Vol. 555 No. 2
302 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the cuts he proposes to make in the health services through the health boards in the period 2002-03; the services jobs and sectors which will be affected; the impact on the health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15650/02]
My Department advised each health board of a range of measures to be taken to ensure that overall health spending in 2002 remained consistent with the approved spending limits for the year. That adjustment is €38 million and it was effected in the following manner. Increased hospital charges €6 million accident and emergency, in-patient and maintenance charges. Drugs payment scheme €7 million via an increase in the monthly threshold to €65. Treatment purchase fund €15 million. Non filling of posts €10 million adjustments in planned employment growth.
The health boards were informed by my Department that the adjustment in employment growth was to be undertaken in a way so as to have minimum impact on new and existing services. The other measures related to income to be generated without impacting upon services.
The position in relation to 2003 is subject to ongoing discussion with the Department of Finance in the context of agreeing my Department's Estimate for 2003.
The implementation of the health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System for You, remains a priority with the Government and the adjustments in posts advised to the health boards in July will not have a significant impact on the implementation of the health strategy. In that context the Deputy may wish to note that the approved employment ceiling within the health services for 2002 is 92,500.
