Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which he is incorporating demographic changes into budgetary planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41304/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Demographic change, in terms of both the age structure and health status of the population (including factors such as morbidity, disability or dependency ratios), is fully considered by my Department and the Health Service Executive when undertaking budget planning. 

Meeting demographic need within the fiscal resources available to Government is a major policy challenge for both Irish and international Governments.  The significant increases in health funding year on year reflects the consideration given by my Department and the HSE to the growing needs for health and social care services year on year and the commitment by Government to address this recognised policy challenge.