Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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11. To ask the Minister for Health if he anticipates bringing forward a supplementary estimate for his Department and the Health Service Executive in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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It is too early to say whether a supplementary budget will be required in 2013.

Significant savings have been required of the health services since the downturn in the economy. The budget provision for health has reduced by some €1.5bn on the 2008 provision and, taking into account the need to provide for increases in demand, the underlying reduction in health spend is over €3bn since 2008. At the half year position, the budget overrun in the HSE was just 1% of budget.

The health budget has been reduced by 20% in real terms. The number of staff within the health service has reduced by 10%. The population has increased by 8%. Despite this we are still managing to reform and improve the service.

There are a number of measures in place to mitigate deficits including the targeting of significant savings on the cost of drugs and medicines; regulations to reduce fees to doctors and pharmacists; savings under the Haddington Road Agreement, and a focus by HSE senior management on key hospitals where significant deficits are emerging. Detailed regular reporting, including comprehensive cash monitoring, is on-going. Work is also underway in the HSE to reform the financial management systems.