Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The budget provision for 2013 represents a major challenge to the Health Service Executive and comes at a time of significant reform of the public health system. The gross current voted Estimate for the HSE is €13.4041 billion. Although there is a net increase of €71.5 million on 2012, as the HSE faces unavoidable spending pressures of €748 million, expenditure savings of €721 million will be required to remain within budget in 2013.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive must prepare a service plan and submit it to the Minister for Health for approval following publication of the Estimates. The national service plan which was submitted in December 2012 sets out the quantum and type of health services to be provided in 2013 within the overall level of funding provided. In accordance with the Act, the Minister for Health approved the national service plan and laid a copy of the plan before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 9 January this year. Subsequently, the HSE prepared and published its operational plan and regional service plans which underpin the national service plan at the end of February.

There is provision for expenditure at local level for the purchase and use of goods in local integrated service areas. These are referred to within the HSE as "local schemes" and the device in question would fall within this category.

The HSE has responsibility for the delivery of services set out in these regional plans and to ensure services are delivered within budget. As such it is not a matter for the Minister to issue a direction regarding specific items of expenditure. However, I appreciate the Deputy's concerns and have made inquiries concerning this matter. I have been advised that the provision of ArtAssist pumps in Galway and Roscommon has been discontinued pending the outcome of a review of their efficacy. The national clinical care programmes office has been requested to carry out this review.

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