Vol. 411 No. 6
35 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the shortfall in funding available to the Southern Health Board could result in a deterioration in health services being provided in the area for the remainder of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that the Southern Health Board are now having to take steps to bring their expenditure into line with their approved allocation, in accordance with the requirement included in the letter of allocation for 1991. While the board's original allocation for 1991 is being adjusted to take account of additional approvable items of expenditure such as pay awards, increase in allowances and certain service-related costs, it is necessary for the board to take this corrective action.
It is a matter for the board and their management to determine priorities in the application of the resources available to it.
