Vol. 561 No. 1
188 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by a number of health boards that job cuts, bed closures and a reduction in sur gery will have to be imposed in many board areas as a result of inadequate budgetary allocations for 2003; the steps he intends to take to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3431/03]
The funding allocated by Government to the health services in 2003 is designed to maintain the existing level of service in overall terms. The economic outlook for 2003 is reflected in the approach taken by the Government to spending Estimates and the budget. Of the overall level of investment in public services in 2003, some two thirds has been allocated to the health services.
Service plans have been prepared by each health board and the ERHA on the basis of the letter of determination issued by my Department. Discussions with each agency on their service plan have just concluded and the focus within each board and the ERHA is now on actioning the various measures proposed and on managing activity, employment and finances over the course of the year.
While the measures proposed in each case vary from agency to agency on the basis of local needs and priorities, the overall pattern is one of consolidation in 2003, following a number of years of rapid expansion and development of services.
Overall, the aim is to maintain service levels at their approved level for 2002. While some service plans do propose adjustments in relation to the overall volume of employment, these are generally concerned with better management of leave and locum arrangements and absenteeism levels, reducing the reliance on agency staffing in particular. While more efficient management of leave arrangements over the summer period may lead to some bed closures, it is also the case that some 200 additional beds will be commissioned and brought into operation during 2003.
My Department will continue to work with the boards and ERHA in monitoring the overall position during the year.
Question No. 189 answered with Question No. 148.
