Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Estimates.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

153 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the priorities of his Department for the coming years in the context of the Estimates for 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the huge interest in these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27939/03]

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. This represents an increase of 10.4% in day-to-day current spending on the revised Estimate for 2003. Given the overall increase in spending on public services, this additional €891 million underlines the Government's commitment to maintaining health spending into 2004.

Having secured an increase of 10%, which is almost double the overall Government increase in spending, my challenge is to manage this budget in the best interests of patient care. I will have the flexibility to prioritise selected areas within the overall funding available to me. In accordance with legislation, the letters of determination to the health boards must be sent out by my Department within three weeks of the publication of the abridged Estimates volume. The Deputy is aware that the Government's investment in the health service has increased by €6.55 million, or 187%, since 1997. This provides the system with a sound financial base within which priorities for service delivery can be managed. Given the overall need to manage Exchequer spending in 2004 within the constraints imposed by the economic climate, the challenge facing us is to continue to provide a quality health service throughout 2004. I will be working with health service management to achieve this goal.

Top
Share