Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Managing expenditure within the overall budgetary parameters is a key factor in ensuring that our budgetary targets are delivered. As I said in reply to Deputy Durkan, the key responsibility sits with each Minister and Department.

Regarding the health budget, spending on our health services is at a record level. In 2017, OECD data placed Ireland fifth in terms of spend per capitaamong the EU 28. As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have made the resourcing of healthcare a key priority. This year, I will be allocating an additional €700 million by way of a Supplementary Estimate, bringing the total increase in investment in 2018 to €1.2 billion. In addition, I have announced a further increase of €1.05 billion in health funding for 2019, bringing the total allocation for 2019 to €17 billion. This brings the increased investment in health over the past two years to a total of €2.25 billion, or 15%.

The Government will continue to support the Minister for Health in managing one of the most important and complex sectors of our society and economy. As the Deputy will be aware, there are always key challenges to be addressed in the health sector. The Dáil has provided Supplementary Estimates in many years, with this year being no different, albeit of a high level.

We want to provide as much as possible for people who are sick and vulnerable, in particular elderly citizens. As our economic and budgetary circumstances allow, I will continue to invest more in our health services because it is the right thing to do. As the Taoiseach stated yesterday, we need to tie this higher level of investment to a higher level of return.

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