Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We need clarity on how the Estimate was submitted. I accept there can be overruns in expenditure, but what is clear from this - anyone who knows anything on the ground is saying this - is that there was never a hope in hell that any of these figures would be realised. They were false figures and will the Taoiseach correct them? Can we have a realistic Estimate for the remainder of the year and can the Taoiseach give a guarantee that front-line services will not be affected because of the Minister's failings and incompetence and, perhaps, much more, in the Estimate? We received no clarification from anybody in the Department of Health or the Minister.

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