Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Department has been advised by the HSE that the allocation in 2006 for the north-east hospital network is €216 million. This is approximately €15 million more than was provided in 2005, representing an increase of over 7%. Management at the hospitals in the north east are examining options to assist in meeting the requirement to operate within the approved funding allocation in the current year. The purpose of the reviews under way is to identify options that can assist with breaking even financially without impacting existing services. A number of budgetary measures have already been put in place within the HSE hospital network in the north east. The HSE has assured the Department that these budgetary control measures will not have an adverse impact on patient care, including cancer and dialysis services. The aim is to obtain best value for money and to maximise efficiencies where possible.

Staffing levels in the north-east hospital network increased from 3,091 at the end of 2004 to 3,238 at the end of 2005 and 3,301 at the end of the first quarter of 2006. This represents an increase of 210 since the end of 2004. Since 1997, cumulative funding totalling more than €36 million has been allocated to the Health Service Executive north-eastern area for the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This investment has enabled the funding of eight additional consultant posts and support staff in key areas of cancer care and 41 cancer care nurse specialists across the region. The HSE has assured the Department of Health and Children that an additional €600,000 will be invested in the further development of cancer services in the region this year. There are currently two consultant medical oncologists with sessional commitments in the region. The appointment of an additional consultant medical oncologist between the Mater Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda is currently being processed and is a priority post for the HSE.

The HSE expects that by reviewing expenditure and applying available resources, including money put aside for contingencies, it will manage the provision of services as set out in its 2006 service plan.

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