Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Health Strategy.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

279 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the implementation of his health strategy given the recent statements by the Minister for Finance that the rate of increase in health spending is unsustainable; and the way in which he proposes to implement the health strategy given the spending limitations being imposed by the Minister for Finance. [11052/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Government has already shown its commitment to the health services by allocating an extra €4.69 billion for capital and non-capital funding since 1997 or a 134% increase which represents the greatest ever increase in spending on these services. It has resulted in significant service developments across all major programmes in the health services, including services in the non-acute hospital sector, such as the disabled, services for older people, child care, etc.

In regard to the health strategy, I agree fully with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, that we cannot fund the health strategy if we do not demonstrate clear value for money from the extra investment, including identification of the outputs and outcomes of that investment. The strategy sets out a programme of reform of the services including a strong emphasis on equity and accountability and I am confident that this reform agenda of the strategy will help to deliver a more efficient and effective service than ever before.