Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013
16. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects costs throughout the health service to be contained within budget for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54080/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department monitors expenditure throughout the various structures of the health service with particular reference to the need to identify areas incurring over-expenditure habitually, the action taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54687/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure accountability in relation to spending throughout the entire health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54688/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 252 and 253 together.
There is a determination by both my Department and the HSE to ensure budgets and savings are tightly monitored throughout 2014.
The health service is operating in a very challenging environment given the increasing demand due to demographic pressures; the need to ensure patient safety as a priority at all times; and the very challenging targets for service delivery in areas such as waiting times.
The health services continue to experience very significant budgetary challenges alongside increased demands for services. Given the budgetary constraints on the health services in recent years, it remains a priority to focus on improving the way services are organised and delivered, and to reduce costs so as to minimise any negative effect on service provision. In the context of 2014 I have identified key priorities based around the principles of fairness, equity and efficiency. The goal, wherever possible, is to cut the cost of services rather than the level or quality of the services delivered and to accelerate the pace of reform.
There is ongoing and intensive engagement each month between officials of my Department and the HSE in the context of regular monitoring of expenditure. My Department also provides detailed analysis each month on expenditure trends to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and there is regular engagement between officials from that Department, my Department and the HSE.
The Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Services “Future Health” identified, as one of the key challenges, the need for an integrated financial management system. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure the development and roll out of a comprehensive financial management system as a matter of priority.
As part of the process of further strengthening the financial management of the HSE, independent expertise was engaged to evaluate the financial performance management system and a Finance Reform Board has been established, chaired by the Director General, including senior HSE management and representatives from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Proposals regarding the development and roll out of an integrated financial management system have been endorsed by the Board, with my full support and approval, and the HSE is now finalising a business case for submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
