Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Ceisteanna (126)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

126. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the fiscal capabilities in place to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak; the possible need for a supplementary estimate for the health service in particular; if an initial estimate has been made in terms of the extra amount the State will have to spend to deal with the outbreak; if there is cash flow capacity in the health budget to deal with the outbreak; if so, the capacity available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4287/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

In total the Government has agreed to an additional Covid-19 related gross funding of €1.83bn for the health sector to deal with the outbreak. As the Deputy is aware, the situation regarding the outbreak is very fluid and to date this spending has been monitored through the Health Budget Oversight Group (HBOG) comprising of officials from my Department, the Department of Health and from the HSE.

My officials are in regular contact with their counterparts in the Department of Health and I am assured that there is sufficient cash-flow capacity in the health budget to deal with the pandemic. Obviously this remains under ongoing review by my Department and by the Government. It is possible that further requests may arise for additional Covid-19 related expenditure, to be considered by Government as and when such requests arise. The full allocation for Health expenditure in 2020, inclusive of all Covid-19 related expenditures and reflecting any offsetting measures e.g. from redeployment of staff, will be brought by way of an Estimate before Dáil Éireann in due course.