asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the areas where cut-backs have taken place in the health service in 1985; and if he will give similar details for 1986.
Written Answers. - Health Service Cut-Backs.
70.
The measures taken to reduce expenditure in health services in 1985 related largely to institutional services. Measures taken included:
—non-filling of a substantial number of vacancies,
—reduced employment of locums,
—reduction in expenditure on pay extras such as overtime and on call allowances,
—tightening of budget levels in relation to drugs and medicines, consumables, travel, energy, etc.
—temporary closure of wards,
—designation of a number of wards as five-day,
Health agencies are at present considering the detailed measures needed to contain expenditure within allocation level in 1986. The guidelines issued by the Department refer to payroll costs of institutional services as the focal point for achieving savings.