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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 3

Written Answers. - Health Boards Funding.

Michael Ferris

Ceist:

17 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to introduce a supplementary estimate in the light of (a) his recent meetings with health board chairmen and chief executives, (b) the widely acknowledged inability of health boards to maintain levels of service on the basis of current allocations and (c) the expected savings to his Department arising from the recent announcement of the establishment of a national drugs formulary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Monica Barnes

Ceist:

78 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm reports that he proposes to make £10 million available to health boards during the coming year; and the way in which these funds will be distributed.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 78 together.

I have already made clear to the House the position with regard to the matters raised by the Deputies, in my statement during Private Members' Time on 26 February 1991.

In accordance with the commitments which I then made on behalf of the Government, health boards will maintain services throughout 1991 at levels not less than those approved for 1990. I have given a specific understanding with regard to the funding of demand-led schemes and have stressed the need to realise all possible opportunities to achieve better value for money.
The question of providing additional funds does not arise now. The Government, as and when required, will take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that health boards and other health agencies continue to be in a position to provide the agreed level of service.
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