Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Reilly's question is very valid. She wants to know the origins of this figure, the basis for it and how it was calculated. Someone must have seen it as an achievable target, based on some sums. She wants to know what sums or calculations were done to generate this particular figure. I will try to get to the bottom of that for her.

On the wider issue of trying to achieve savings, which ties in with the Deputy's next question as to whether HSE funding is sufficient, there is a constant ebb and flow and tension there. As well as the highs and lows in economic terms, there is also an ebb and flow and tension that is necessary. If we were to give the HSE another €1 billion or €2 billion, it would spend it. In that context, we must try to push back and keep things as tight as we can. It is possibly better to under-fund the executive to some extent because there can be no absolutes. It is a demand led service, which is important to remember. Nobody can-----