Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising these very important questions. There are times when I get confused myself. My initial response is that the HSE said there was a need for savings, and the bottom line is that this involves a number of areas, including emergency departments in hospitals. I know from my work in the disability sector that sometimes an emergency case can go from a normal residential place of €80,000 or €90,000 up to perhaps €250,000 in a crisis. Regarding residential placements, there are certain activities for which there is no specific funding. Furthermore, the HSE has indicated to me a series of actions being undertaken to maximise the delivery of the value improvement targets while at the same time not impacting the HSE's ability to deliver on the planned activity levels set out in the national service plan, NSP, for 2018. Delivery of savings is in progress, which reflects the success of the service level initiatives undertaken. The HSE has indicated that the expected realisation in 2018 will be approximately €60 million. Work is ongoing in respect of the number of corporate level initiatives and will be reported by the end of the year. I will raise the other questions the Deputy has asked with the Minister, Deputy Harris, and try to come back to her with an accurate response.

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