John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his direct answers to my questions. There is also some concern about budget allocation. Cork University Hospital had a deficit of €2 million last year, while Waterford Regional Hospital had a deficit of €6,120. The front-line staff in Waterford Regional Hospital can tell horror stories of having to keep within budget and out of deficit. It is very important that we be given an assurance that any proposal brought forward relating to the future of hospitals will include comprehensive details as to how the budgets in each of the hospitals will be allocated within the overall grouping. It is important for everybody that there is accountability. If hospitals are doing their job within the specific budgets allocated to them, they should be treated accordingly. If one hospital has a deficit of €2 million while another hospital has stayed within its budget, it is not right that the hospital that stayed within budget should be hindered in any way in the future allocation of finances. In fact, the finances for these hospitals should be increased.

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