Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
409 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings outlined in the report of the special group on public numbers and expenditure programmes which were accepted in budget 2010 for her Department in tabular form; the savings which will be achieved in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1259/10]
View answerAs part of the Estimates process, my Department and the Health Service Executive examined options which might provide expenditure savings during 2010, while to the greatest extent possible meeting the objective of maintaining population health and access to services. This process was informed by the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and other relevant considerations. The very difficult financial position facing the Exchequer obviously requires very careful management across all areas of expenditure. The following table outlines savings identified for the Health Group Votes, many of which were included in the proposals submitted by the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes.
|
€m |
|
|
Vote 40 |
|
|
Reductions in payments to pharmaceutical manufacturers* |
141.00 |
|
Increase in DPS threshold by €20* |
27.00 |
|
Prescription Charges (50c per item)* /Full year saving of €25 m |
15.00 |
|
Accelerate private income collection* |
75.00 |
|
Revision to DTSS scheme |
30.00 |
|
HSE economies* |
106.00 |
|
Sub-total |
394.00 |
|
Votes 39 & 41 |
|
|
Economies (Vote 39 & its agencies)* |
3.50 |
|
National Childcare Investment Programme* |
2.50 |
|
Sub-total |
6.00 |
|
Overall saving |
400.00 |
