Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Department of Health and Children

Departmental Expenditure

9:00 pm

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the Health Service Executive economy savings of €106 million in view of the health Estimates for 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48509/09]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way the €70 million will be allocated to address various demographic needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48521/09]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 342 and 354 together.

As the Deputy is aware under Section 31 of the Health Act, 2004 the Health Service Executive must prepare and submit its annual National Service Plan for the coming year for my approval. The National Service Plan (NSP) must indicate the type and volume of health and personal social services to be provided by the Health Service Executive for the financial resources provided in its Vote. As announced in the Budget there are a range of measures which the HSE must implement in the context of its Service Plan this year, in accordance with the government policies controlling public expenditure, including public sector pay. The savings referred to by the Deputy are part of those measures.

Also in the Budget it was announced that there would be additional funding made available for certain service development and demographic pressures. The details of the savings measures and the allocation of funds to meet demographic pressures will be set out in the Service Plan. The HSE submitted its 2010 NSP to me on 15th January. Under the Health Act 2004 I have 21 days in which to approve the Plan. In accordance with the Act, once the NSP is approved it will be laid before both houses of the Oireachtas and I will be in a position to inform the Deputy of the details then.

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