Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In previous years there was a tradition, particularly in health and some other areas, of Supplementary Estimates halfway through the year. That will not be allowed in 2017, as we are now on the preventative side, unless there are additional revenue-raising measures. How will the Minister ensure the expenditure plans of Departments will be prepared in a realistic manner? It has been our contention for some time that health Estimates in particular did not, to put it diplomatically, fit the profile of the Department. Given that the Government no longer has the parachute of increased Estimates, how will the Minister ensure his colleagues' Estimates and budget allocations are realistic?