Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2018
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the attention of the HSE was drawn to the fact that the budget for 2018 was short of that required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 National Service Plan sets out a budget of over €14.5 billion for the HSE. This represents an overall increase of over €600 million on 2017, which is a substantial level of additional funding. For its overall budget for 2018 the HSE is expected to, and has signed up to provide, a level of service greater than, or equal to, that which was provided in 2017.
Health services to the public will not be reduced in 2018. The additional funding provided in Budget 2018 for new developments will support new or expanded levels of services across all the major service areas. Overall, and as set out clearly by the HSE in the finalised NSP, delivery of the level of services and activities set out in the plan within budget will require the delivery of a Value Improvement Programme (VIP) totalling €346m.
