Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
137 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if necessary health system reforms can be achieved with the existing resource base; and if increased funding is required to provide essential health care, which is acceptable and efficient. [26526/04]
View answerBoth the Brennan and Prospectus reports, which are central to the reform programme, refer to the likelihood of savings in the implementation of their respective recommendations. However, the Prospectus report also states it is extremely difficult to accurately predict the financial impact of programmes of this scale. The re-alignment and streamlining of functions and structures in the health system are expected to generate efficiency gains over time and any resources freed up will be re-invested in strengthening front line services. I am satisfied the new arrangements, combined with the introduction of system-wide best practice, governance and accountability systems, will ensure a stronger, more effective health system and an improved health service for patients and clients.
The total funding provided for the health services in the Revised Estimates Volume 2004 was €10.08 billion. This provided for €9,570 million current funding, a rise of 10.7% over the Revised Estimates 2003, and €510 million capital funding approximately. Since 2001 the total increase in the Health Estimate has been €1.093 million, based on Revised Estimates 2002. This increase in funding has allowed the health services to address care areas outlined in the programme for Government and the health strategy such as acute hospitals, disability services and services for older people, progressing towards the highest quality of care for service users. Discussions are continuing between the Minister for Finance and myself in regard to the 2005 Estimates.
