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Health Services Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Questions (577)

Gerry Adams

Question:

577. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the projected cost over run for the health services will be in 2012. [44113/12]

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Written answers

The HSE is overspent by €374m to the end of September and would have a deficit of approximately €550m at the end of the year if current run rates prevail unless additional cost containment measures are undertaken. There is intensive engagement between my Department and the Health Service Executive to address the excess expenditure. In the short term, to address the 2012 position, I have instructed the Executive to impose cash limits on agency and overtime. Furthermore, there will be more rigorous management of absenteeism, travel and subsistence will be limited, and stock management will be intensified in order to better manage cash. Other measures are also being undertaken in order to achieve a balanced budget, including the use of capital to fund revenue and the transfer of Department funds to the HSE on a once-off basis. I have also instructed the Executive to provide fortnightly reports on the cash situation, and the Regional Directors are being required to more intensively manage the cash so as to achieve a balanced vote.

My Department is working intensively with the HSE on proposals for submission to Government to address structural expenditure issues in the context of the 2013 Estimates. This includes reconfiguration of services, maximising the potential for flexibility under the Croke Park Agreement and curtailing expenditure in the Primary Care Reimbursement Service. These proposals are entirely appropriate and in keeping with the focus in the Programme for Government on reforming the way health services are funded and delivered to achieve greater productivity and more cost effective services.

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