Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 6

Written Answers - Departmental Expenditure.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

79 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the health care expenditure expressed as a percentage of GDP in respect of the years 2001 and 2002; the way in which this compares with the EU average for both years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6661/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The most recent data available from the OECD for public expenditure on health as a percentage of gross domestic product are from the year 2000. At that time the EU average, excluding Luxembourg and Sweden, was 5.9%, with Ireland at 5.1%. The OECD will publish data for 2001 during the summer.