Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Health if he is carrying out an assessment of the impact of cuts to the 2012 health budget on patient care in advance of Budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government will have to make very difficult decisions regarding expenditure across all areas of public spending in 2013 and beyond. In making decisions on health spending for 2013, I will be examining a range of options very carefully, and will have available to me a range of expertise, both within and outside my own Department. I will take full account of the situation as it emerges during 2012. My main concern is patient care, and all of the decisions taken by the Government in relation to health spending will be strongly informed by this key consideration. I believe that we can and must deliver a quality service to patients within the resources available, and I will continue to pursue this objective in respect of 2013.