Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are no cuts to the budget for a hospice (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57420/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The level of funding available for the health budget, and the extent of savings required in the health sector, is being considered as part of finalising the HSE Service Plan 2013. The allocation of funding across care groups, including Palliative Care, will therefore be agreed in this context.

As was the case in previous years, the Health Service Executive has engaged with voluntary providers, including individual Hospices, to discuss service levels in 2013 in line with resources available. Nonetheless, despite the severe financial challenges facing the Exchequer, every effort will be made to protect front-line services, including Hospice care.