Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Yes, I believe that it will be necessary to bring a Supplementary Estimate before the House. The health Vote for 2005 could not sustain the repayment of moneys in excess of €500 million. That would be grossly unfair on services. As the Deputy has acknowledged, it would involve a serious cutback in existing services if we took it from the current Vote. I anticipate that the Government will bring forward a Supplementary Estimate later this year.

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