Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
626. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if any additional measures will be taken to curb cost overruns in health services which stood at €374 million at the end of September; the projected cost overrun for years end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49734/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously outlined to the House, the financial situation in the HSE continues to be extremely challenging. The HSE is overspent by €374m to the end of September and on the basis of the latest information available, would have a deficit in the region of €500m at the end of the year if current run rates prevail unless additional cost containment measures are undertaken. There is intensive engagement between my Department and the Health Service Executive to address the excess expenditure. In the short term, to address the 2012 position, I have instructed the Executive to impose cash limits on agency and overtime. Furthermore, there will be more rigorous management of absenteeism, travel and subsistence will be limited, and stock management will be intensified in order to better manage cash. My Department is also undertaking a number of measures to address the deficit, which include an acceleration in the collection of private health insurance income, savings from the agreements with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Medical Defence Union. Further initiatives include the use of capital to fund revenue on a once-off basis and the transfer of Department funds to the HSE on a once-off basis. I have also instructed the HSE to review all pay and non-pay savings targets with a view to further targeting all areas which do not compromise patient safety.
