John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 56: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the front-line services that will be affected due to the Health Service Executive funding shortfall of €1 billion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13176/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 62: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the areas of the health budget expected to be affected arising from proposed budgetary reviews; the areas of services to the public likely to be restricted; the number of people to be so affected; the measures specifically identified to cater for those with particularly sensitive needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13099/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 223: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the mechanisms in place in her Department to monitor the effects of spending cutbacks on the delivery of health care services to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13328/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 239: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the extent, if known, of financial cutbacks applicable or expected to be applied by her Department in 2009; the areas expected to be most affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13459/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 62, 223 and 239 together.

The HSE and my Department have had intensive discussions regarding the Executive's financial position following the publication of its end January figures. At the time the HSE was projecting a shortfall in its budget of €1.1bn. This figures included a projected shortfall of €300m in health contributions. Following the discussions and based upon end February figures, the potential additional financial exposure is now estimated at approximately €480m including a shortfall of €100m in health contributions. The Department of Finance has now revised its estimated figure for the shortfall in health contributions to €160m.

Earlier this month I wrote to the HSE regarding the emerging position. I indicated that under the circumstances that the HSE should focus on the measures required to be implemented to deliver the services set out in the Service Plan within the allocation that will be given to it following the most recent government decisions on public expenditure. The HSE has already agreed measures amounting to €133m and was asked to further examine how it could achieve another €72m in savings. I have indicated to the HSE that any additional Exchequer funding to meet projected extra costs associated with the Long Stay Repayment Scheme, income from health contributions and larger than anticipated increase in medical card numbers, as a result of increased unemployment, will have to be considered in the context of the Government's decisions to ensure the stabilisation and sustainability of the public finances, due to be finalised in early April.

The Board of the HSE met yesterday to further consider its financial position. I understand a revised Service Plan will be submitted to me within the next 5 days which will include proposals to save the further €72m. I will consider the proposals contained in the revised Service Plan when it is submitted for my approval in accordance with the Health Act 2004.