Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach has great difficulty answering the question he was asked. Why did the Cabinet approve a plan that leaves acute hospitals short by €100 million? Pages 90 and 91 of the health service plan clearly lay out the position. Page 90 outlines the impact of demographics on hospitals and how demand for acute hospital services continues to increase. Demographic changes will see the population increase by 1% in 2016, an increase of 32,000 people. The over-65 age group is expected to increase by 3.1% or 19,400 people. This is setting the scene for its revelation that it is €100 million short. It is a €100 million shortfall before the plan even starts. The plan goes on to outline the implications of that on page 91, that is, providing inpatient services and inpatient activity at 2015 levels. This is at the start of 2016. It means real trouble ahead for hospitals in 2016. There will be no Supplementary Estimates, in accordance with EU rules. The Government had to allocate €666 million at the end of last year to cover a funding shortfall.

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