Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 November 2013
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the budget for his Department for 2014 is adequate to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48541/13]
View answer184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which, within his Department, it has been found possible to identify areas most likely to be affected by expenditure overruns having particular regard to previous experience; if any attempt has been made to identify such areas early in the financial year with a view to ensuring continuity of service throughout the entire year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48542/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The gross current budget for the Department of Health (Vote 38) for 2014 is almost €212m, a reduction of €20m on the 2013 allocation of €232m. This funding is for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Health and certain other services administered by that Office, including grants to research, consultative and advisory bodies. Clearly the budgetary restraints will prove challenging in 2014; however, with astute financial planning and management, I am confident that my Office will operate within budget and I do not anticipate any expenditure overruns on the Vote.
