Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

209 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if there will be extra resources allocated from his Department to Drogheda in consideration of the massive population increase that now makes Drogheda the largest town in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18549/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Department of Health and Children approved the following allocations for the North-Eastern Health Board:

Year	Allocation	Increase	% increase over previous year
	€m	£m
1998	208.643
1999	261.134	52.491	25.16%
2000	320.590	59.456	22.77%
2001	408.439	87.849	27.40%
2002	461.777	53.338	13.06%

There will be future adjustments to the 2002 allocation in relation to the cost pressures arising from demand led schemes. These adjustments will be dealt with as part of the Supplementary Estimate process, which does not normally take place until late November-early December, following which the appropriate adjustments will be made.

It is a matter for each health board to allocate its funding between different programmes of treatment and care in the counties and towns covered by the board, other than those specific decisions identified by the Department.