The Eastern Health Board, as all other health boards, receives cash from my Department on the basis of cash profiles established at the beginning of the year. These profiles are linked to the approved expenditure levels of the board and are adjusted from time to time during the year to take account of approved increases in expenditure, including pay increases, cash allowances and other service related items.
On the basis of this arrangement, it is the responsibility of each health board to manage it's cash and credit in line with its operational requirements and within approved expenditure levels. The timing of payments to suppliers of goods and services is entirely a matter for board management to decide.
I am aware that the Eastern Health Board is experiencing some pressure in this area. However my Department gives every possible assistance to each agency on this issue, but always within the level of cash available, based on approved expenditure limits.