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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health Spending.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

82 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children his view on the fact that Ireland's health spending is now below the European average; if he intends to seek more funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27594/03]

Finian McGrath

Question:

212 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Ireland's per capita spending on health has not exceeded the EU average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27851/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 212 together.

In 2001, the latest year for which comparable data is available, Ireland's public health expenditureper capita was 1,560 in US$PPP, purchasing power parities. This is 98% of the average spending of 14 EU countries – figures for Luxembourg not being available. The comparable figure in 2000 was 88%. It ranks Ireland ninth among 14 EU countries in terms of per capita public spending on health. In 2001, public expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP was 5.2% in Ireland ranking us joint 13th among 14 EU countries.
The figures I have quoted above differ from those currently in the OECD database for 2003 and are based on a recent review of the figures for Ireland in that database undertaken jointly by my Department and the Central Statistics Office, CSO. The OECD published figure is a preliminary estimate compiled by the CSO in the first half of 2002 and has since then been revised upwards. The revision applies only to 2001.
The Vote of the Department of Health and Children contains funds to cover a broad range of personal social services, including social care, as well as what is recognised by OECD as coming within the standard boundaries of health care. Both the figures in the OECD health data 2003 database and the revised figures I have provided above take account of adjustments necessary to bring the Irish figure better into line with the boundaries for health systems set out in the OECD system of health accounts.
The revised figures forper capita public expenditure on health show Ireland in an improved position relative to the EU average in 2001 compared to 2000. I am confident that this position will be further improved when comparable figures become available for 2002.
The Abridged Estimates for 2004 were published last week by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. The Abridged Estimates volume for 2004 shows an increase of €891 million in health spending to bring the total spend for 2004 to €10.05 billion, including capital – an increase of 10% on the Revised Estimate for 2003. In regard to day-to-day current spending, this represents an increase of 10.4% on the Revised Estimate of last year. Given the overall increase in spending on public services, this additional €891 million underlines the Government's commitment to maintaining health spending into 2004.
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