Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2019
19. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to reduce HSE funding to community voluntary organisations by €4 million in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12406/19]
View answerMajor increases in public funding for our health services in recent years has brought the Governments annual investment to a level that compares favourably with spending in other countries.
In the last five years funding for community delivered services has increased by 27% to €5,876m, this increase in funding has facilitated key service developments. However, it is important that when assessing the scope to develop services that the additional opportunities available through the improved management of existing resources, to benefit the greatest possible number of service users, receives ongoing attention by organisations in receipt of health service funding.
The HSE, in the 2019 National Service Plan, adopted a range of actions and initiatives to address the need to improve the scope of the delivery of services within existing resources. These initiatives include engaging with community voluntary organisations with a view to identifying opportunities to achieve greater value across the totality of resources provided to such voluntary organisations without impacting on the quality and level of services currently provided.
The National Service Plan requires the HSE to protect and promote the health and well-being of the population, having regard to the resources available to it, and making the most efficient and effective use of those resources. Implementation of the Service Plan is ongoing and my Department understands that the position of the HSE is that protection of front line service delivery is its priority.
