Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Regarding appropriations-in-aid, as the Deputy is aware, when citizens of one country come to reside in another, the country where such a person spent his or her working life traditionally pays for health services provided. In this case it seems we were overpaid in the past which is the reason for the discrepancy. Apparently, the amount of money we received was significantly out of line according to the agreement reached concerning the services provided. I am not yet in a position to give a definitive answer on the service plan, but we will discuss it at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children later this week. I am currently in discussion with my officials on this matter.

I want to see an increase in day activity and a reduction in in-patient activity in hospitals. I seek a move in line with best international practice in this area. I also wish to see shorter in-patient stays where such in-patient stays are required. I believe if we could move more rapidly to day stays and shorter stays in general we should be able to provide the level of service envisaged for 2009. I have stated in the House on several occasions since the budget that we face a challenge during 2009. Given the overall increase in the Department of Health and Children Vote including capital and current expenditure, the increase is less than 2%, which is the smallest increase in 13 years. The annual increase has been running at an average of 9% for each of the past 11 years.

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