Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the financial position of the Health Service Executive; his plans to introduce a supplementary estimate on foot of recent announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14652/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In the January 2015 Health Service Performance Report - the latest published - the HSE is reporting a net spend on an income and expenditure basis of €1.037 billion against a budget of €1.013 billion, leading to a deficit of almost €25 million.

There is a deficit of €14 million within Acute Hospitals and Social Care, with some offsetting savings in other service areas. A further €9 million of the deficit relates to the demand led areas of PCRS & Local Schemes.

The early indications from Income & Expenditure data confirm the key financial risks are in demand led areas and acute hospitals. Acute hospitals, in particular, will require very close management using the measures specified in the Accountability Framework as set out in the NSP.

As the Deputy is aware, pressures in the Acute Sector and rising waiting times for placements under "Fair Deal" have been a cause for concern, and the Government has recently provided a further €74 million to help alleviate ED overcrowding and pressures on the 'Fair Deal' scheme. That being said, it is too early to give a view on the Supplementary Estimate requirement for Vote 38 in 2015. The HSE is pro-actively engaged in internal efforts to maximise savings and cost containment plans and to ensure that additional measures are identified and safely implemented to mitigate any projected deficits which are within HSE direct control, while engaging on an ongoing basis with the Department of Health.