Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013

Thursday, 14 February 2013

Questions (95)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he has monitored the effect of budgetary controls within the health service in the current year to date in the context of keeping within budget; if any particular or specific areas have been identified wherein changes or improvements may be made with a view to ensuring that vital frontline services are not detrimentally affected to the extent of undermining the integrity of the service; if he has observed any particular issues needing attention in this regard with a view to resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

There is ongoing and intensive engagement each month between officials from my Department and the HSE in the context of regular monitoring of expenditure. My Department also 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 HSE's Performance Report, which is published every month, 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. The December Performance Report is the most recent data available and can be viewed on the HSE's website - www.hse.ie

My Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE are working collaboratively on a Financial Improvement Programme with a view to strengthening the Executive's financial and performance management and reporting systems during 2013.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 26.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 25.