Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was an extraordinary announcement the other day from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in reply to a parliamentary question regarding a potential Supplementary Estimate for the health area before the end of the year. There have been denials since last June that there would be any form of Supplementary Estimate in any Department, but we have highlighted a potential budget overrun of massive proportions in the Department of Health.

When will the Supplementary Estimate come before the House? Will Deputies be allowed time to debate it in view of the cutbacks on home help services, other attacks on front-line services and the diminishing funding available for people with disabilities and other key areas? Will the Minister provide a commitment that the House will be able to discuss the budget overrun and inability to manage the budget?

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