Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

Why does the financial year of the HSE not coincide with the Department's financial year? That would be logical. Even the Revenue Commissioners changed from an April to April financial year so that they could reconcile accounts. The same scenario could emerge next year if there is not certainty regarding the conclusion of the financial year.

The Minister stated "No planned service or planned capital project will be affected by this". A sum of €56 million will not be available for capital projects. Will the Minister have to introduce a Supplementary Estimate to replace this sum, if it has been expended elsewhere?

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