asked the Minister for Health if he will specify the total additional cost to the health service in 1989 of providing for the national wage increase due next year; the level of additional finance being made available to the health service in 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Health Service Costs.
25.
The cost in 1989 of increases under Phase II of the general increase under the 1987 Agreement of Pay in the Public Service is estimated at £22.8 million in expenditure terms.
The grant figures shown in the Book of Estimates will support total non-capital expenditure of £1,353 million gross. This represents an increase of £55 million on the original non-capital total for 1988.
The increase takes account of the first and second phases of the pay agreement, as the cost of the first phase is not comprehended in the original 1988 figures.