Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her view on the recent comments by the National Implementation Body, which criticised the manner in which the Health Service Executive imposed the recruitment ban as well as other cost cutting measures and said that this is in breach of the most recent social partnership agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24073/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Implementation Body plays a fundamental role in supporting the National Partnership process and has my full support. I understand that following the statement by the NIB on the HSE financial break even plan, further engagement has taken place between the HSE and the unions on this matter. I think it is important to note that the NIB did not make any adjudication in respect of compliance with Towards 2016. It concentrated on the need for both sides to address the financial situation facing the HSE on the basis of partnership and joint problem-solving.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a Supplementary Estimate in order to end the embargo on recruitment in the Health Service Executive in view of the most recent developments including the inability of the National Rehabilitation Hospital to take in scheduled new patients due to the fact that a shortage of home care packages means that patients who are ready to go home cannot do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24027/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I met with Professor Drumm, Accounting Officer of the HSE, recently to discuss the progress of the Service Plan for 2007 and the associated spending, both non-capital and capital. Excluding the Long Stay Repayment Scheme the HSE non-capital or current expenditure outturn, in vote spending terms, for the period to end September is some €284m ahead of profile. The Accounting Officer has informed me that he has put measures in place, the aim of which is to bring back spending to the approved level by year-end. The measures, including those relating to services, are aimed at bringing back activity to those levels/targets set in the HSE Service Plan for 2007. The progress of the measures will be received at the end of each month.

Regarding the HSE capital spending, I have been informed by the Accounting Officer that, based on progress to date, the 2007 Capital programme funding will be fully utilised. Having regard to the reported position, I do not intend to seek additional funding for the HSE by way of a supplementary estimate.