Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Some issues were raised on the Supplementary Estimates in the Select Committee on Health and Children and I understand the Minister has undertaken to put forward that information during the course of the day. The real issue here is the question of the taking of Supplementary Estimates at the end of the financial year.

On the Health Estimate, we are seeking the approval of Dáil Éireann to a technical Supplementary Estimate of €1,000 in respect of Vote 40 for the Health Service Executive for the year ending 31 December 2007. The additional costs arising under certain subheads can be met from savings arising from other subheads on the Vote and what is being sought here is not further moneys, but a technical Supplementary Estimate. Obviously, the debate about health expenditures within those Estimate provisions is a matter that goes on all the time——

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