Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot do that. The different elements of the HSE will always request additional funding and the total amount requested will always exceed the total amount available. The amount available for improvements in health services in 2019 is more than €1 billion. There is an extra €1 billion available for health services next year. I agree with the Deputy that we should make sure that money will go towards service improvements, that is, new and better services, not higher costs. It will be up to the HSE and the Department of Health to develop the service plan. I cannot make any commitment on any aspect of it today.

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