Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am just trying to help the Deputy, not that she needs it.

There are two sides to Sláintecare. A large part of it will be funded by current expenditure, through measures such as examining the eligibility framework, reducing the drugs payment scheme, prescription charges, general practitioner contracts - matters in which the Chairman is interested - all of which are part of current expenditure and will not be affected by the hospital. A important part of Sláíntecare is funded by capital, such as the elective hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Limerick and the bed capacity. I will prioritise the measures that will deliver Sláintecare and increase capacity.

While it is true we need to find the money across the capital budget, we need to look at the context. I am open to correction but I think the State will spend approximately €7 billion on capital projects, while my Department will spend nearly €600 million. My Department has to find €50 million, as do the other Departments. We would rather not have to find it but it must be considered in the context of a massively increased capital budget for both health and the rest of the Government.