Written answers

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Department of Health

Health Service Executive Funding

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an analysis of the opening deficit referred to in table 1 page 3 of the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2013 by method of funding, that is overdraft, medium term bank debt, trade creditor and outstanding taxes; in relation to outstanding balance due to the Revenue Commissioners, if he will provide a time based breakdown of the amounts outstanding to the Revenue Commissioners (details supplied). [2186/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A Supplementary Estimate of €360 million was provided in 2012 to ensure that the HSE would achieve a balanced Vote. This was offset by savings of €70m identified within my Department's Vote, and a once-off Extra Exchequer Receipt of €45m from the Medical Defence Union, resulting in a net supplementary requirement of €245m. Therefore, the underlying deficit was funded by the Exchequer in 2012.The excess expenditure was predominantly in the PCRS and acute hospital sectors.

Table 1 on page 3 of the HSE Service Plan sets out the 2013 Budget Framework as determined by the 2013 Estimate. It acknowledges that a total incoming deficit of €460m is reflected in the rate of expenditure coming into the year - €391m is considered in the context of the gross expenditure level, and €69m is reflected in a reduction in targeted Appropriations-in-Aid. This has been taken into account when considering the savings requirement for health in order to meet its expenditure limit as determined by Government. This level of underlying expenditure, when taken with the unavoidable pressures facing the sector in 2013 and the commitments under the Programme for Government, means that the Health Group of Votes must generate savings in 2013 of €781m as set out in the following table.

MeasureSavings in 2013Full Year Savings
€ million€ million
Primary Care Schemes
Reduction in cost of Drugs and other prescribed items160330
Increase DPS threshold to €144 per month1010
Increase prescription charges for medical card holders5151
Reduced professional fees7080
Other changes to Primary Care schemes3244
Other areas
Pay-related savings308458
Increased generation of private income 65115
Savings on Department Vote 6060
Procurement Measures2020
Other measures55
Total Net Savings7811,173

The HSE's National Service Plan provides for a total cost reduction of €721m, the balance being met through a net reduction of €60m on my Department's Vote. The normal activities of any business result in accruals at the end of the year. Details on bank balances, creditors and tax liabilities will be set out in the Appropriation Account and Annual Financial Statements of the HSE, which will be published following their audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

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