Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health if, in the context of savings likely to be necessary in the course of the compilation of the Estimates and budget for his Department, all sectors within his Department are likely to be treated equally; if those currently engaged in examining those Estimates in this regard are conscious of the need to ensure that the scope, scale and integrity of the health services are not materially affected to such an extent as to create medium to long-term issues that might affect the viability of the services in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32718/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has announced that a comprehensive review of expenditure is being undertaken wherein each Department will prepare a comprehensive report identifying expenditure programme savings, scope for savings arising from efficiency and other reforms and proposals for the further rationalisation of agencies and any associated reductions in staff. These reviews will inform the 2012 Estimates and the identification of further savings which can assist in meeting public expenditure targets. All areas of expenditure and income generation are being examined across the services to ensure that maximum value for money and efficiency is being achieved. Measures that do not have front line service implications are being implemented in the first instance, whilst measures that have a potential to impact on front line patient or client services will only be considered following a full evaluation and impact assessment and consideration at a national level.

Under its reform programme the Government has committed to achieving greater efficiencies in patient care and service delivery. These efficiencies will not be easy to achieve but I am certain that achieving these efficiencies will enable the system to deliver a more efficient service, having regard to the resources that will be available to it over the coming years.