I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 192 and 196 together.
As we are all aware, the country still faces serious challenges in respect of the public finances, and the need to meet the targets agreed with the Troika, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Troika. Notwithstanding these challenges, the Government agreed to provide the Health Group of Votes with an additional €150m over and above the expenditure ceiling set last year.
In respect of next year, Gross Expenditure under the Health Group of Votes will be €14,024 million in 2013. This will consist of €13,627 million in current expenditure and €397 million in capital expenditure. The level of health services to be delivered within the available funding will be set out in the HSE National Service Plan. The Plan will also set out the measures required to fund unavoidable pressures and commitments made under the Programme for Government. In line with the Programme for Government funding will be allocated to further develop mental health services and provide free GP care for persons with certain conditions.
As I have outlined in this House on previous occasions, I have instructed the HSE that efficiencies must be achieved in the first instance before patient services are affected, and in this regard patient safety must be paramount. During 2012 my Department undertook a number of initiatives to address concerns around financial control in the Health Service Executive. These included engaging an expert from the UK NHS to examine the financial management of the HSE and make recommendations regarding strengthening and improving the management of its finances. An assessment of this report and an action plan for the implementation of its recommendations, was also undertaken by PA Consulting. Both reports will be published shortly.
As regards regular monitoring of expenditure, there is intensive engagement between officials from my Department and the HSE each month. My Department provides detailed analysis each month on expenditure trends to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and there is regular engagement between officials from that Department, my own Department and the HSE. The Executive is managed by each Regional Director, both financially and service delivery wise, within a national framework, with the information collated by the Corporate Planning & Performance Directorate of the HSE. This consolidated information forms the basis of its Performance Report, which the Deputy will be aware, is published every month. The Report provides an overall analysis of key performance data from Finance, HR, Hospital and Primary & Community Services. The activity data reported is based on Performance Activity and Key Performance Indicators outlined in the HSE National Service Plan. A Supplementary Report is also produced each month which provides more detailed data on the metrics covered in the Performance Report. The October Performance Report is due to be published this week, and will be available on the HSEs website - www.hse.ie
My Department and the HSE is working collaboratively with PA Consulting on a Financial Improvement Programme with a view to strengthening the Executive's financial and performance management and reporting systems during 2013.
