Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In previous years, if we did not have the luxury of Supplementary Estimates in health, for example, there would have be hospital closures and wholesale cancellation of services. Currently, after a very substantial allocation this year, there are no home help hours available in many parts of the country, including in Mayo. The Minister has outlined the policy but do Departments understand the new reality in advance of budget day? Although the Ministers may understand it, do the Departments understand that the emergency parachute is gone?