John Lahart
Question:83. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when the 2022 HSE service plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7969/22]
View answerTuesday, 15 February 2022
Questions (83)
Written answers
I have recently approved the 2022 National Service Plan, subject to a number of amendments on the 26th January 2022. Following submission by the HSE of the amended National Service 2022 on the 10th February 2022, I am currently giving consideration to this amended Plan and intend to revert to the HSE promptly.
Following this, the National Service Plan will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days. Thereafter, the HSE will ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.
The plan sets out the type and volume of services the HSE will provide for within its financial allocation of €20.6 billion (current) which is the largest Health allocation in the history of the State. To put that in perspective, that is €6 billion higher than what was allocated in 2018 (€14.6 billion).
This shows our commitment to healthcare reform. €750 million is for Covid funding (PPE, Testing and Tracing, Vaccination, etc). The rest, €20 billion of current spend, is being used to maintain and reform existing services along with developing new clinical pathways; improving access; increasing bed numbers and capacity; and hiring more staff, including €350m to tackle the waiting lists through HSE and NTPF initiatives.