I met with Professor Drumm, Accounting Officer of the HSE, recently to discuss the progress of the Service Plan for 2007 and the associated spending, both non-capital and capital. Excluding the Long Stay Repayment Scheme the HSE non-capital or current expenditure outturn, in vote spending terms, for the period to end September is some €284m ahead of profile. The Accounting Officer has informed me that he has put measures in place, the aim of which is to bring back spending to the approved level by year-end. The measures, including those relating to services, are aimed at bringing back activity to those levels/targets set in the HSE Service Plan for 2007. The progress of the measures will be received at the end of each month.
Regarding the HSE capital spending, I have been informed by the Accounting Officer that, based on progress to date, the 2007 Capital programme funding will be fully utilised. Having regard to the reported position, I do not intend to seek additional funding for the HSE by way of a supplementary estimate.