Vol. 564 No. 1
240 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if a request has been made to the Western Health Board for a refund of ?2 million from its 2002 allocation which was considered to be surplus to its requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8961/03]
The final determination agreed for the Western Health Board for 2002 was €680.447 million, which represents an increase of €33.683 million over the original determination. The Western Health Board is projecting an outturn of €674 million approximately, giving a surplus of €6.347 million to carry forward to 2003. My Department had made provision for a further €2 million to be allocated, however, given the financial pressures elsewhere in the system and the projected outturn for the board, it was considered appropriate that an allocation of €680 million be approved. Final accounts will be available shortly which will indicate the definitive position. This carried forward surplus is available to assist service provision in 2003.
