Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I received the HSE's national service plan for 2009 last Tuesday, 18 November. It is being examined by my officials and I will review it later this week. As is normal, the plan will be published after I have approved it.

Following the budget, I wrote to the chairman of the HSE on 15 October outlining my requirements for the 2009 plan. I emphasised that my priorities were to avoid service reductions, protect the least well-off and to continue the overall reform programme. I also highlighted the need for service levels in 2009 to reflect planned activity throughout the year.

Clearly, the current fiscal position demands the most careful control of public expenditure within the approved limits. However, the 2009 allocation for the HSE should allow it to continue to provide services in 2009 which are at least in line with those provided in 2008. The 2009 allocation includes €120 million to meet service pressures arising from demographic changes. It should, therefore, fund service increases in areas where there are unavoidable demographic and other pressures.

The 2009 allocation also includes €55 million for the fair deal scheme, an additional €15 million for the cancer control programme and €10 million for therapy supports for children of school-going age.

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