Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The health service budget for 2024 is a matter for the Department of Health and it is the role of that Department to manage service needs within the very significant allocation of €22.5 billion.

It is important to note that since 2019 this Government has prioritised very significant and unprecedented investment in the health service. As a result, Ireland continues to spend more of its national income on health compared to the majority of European countries.

Similar to many other jurisdictions, the health service continues to experience the difficult impacts of the post-emergency phase of COVID-19. In recognition of this, Budget 2024 continues the very high level of investment in our public health system, by providing a total of €22.5 billion.

This includes an increase of €808 million in current core expenditure to address both demographic and service pressures as well as new developments. A non-core allocation of €1.032 billion has been allocated which is significantly higher than the equivalent allocations to most other Government Departments. This funding provides for a range of Public Health measures related to COVID-19. This funding will assist in improving access to services, reducing waiting lists in hospitals and enhancing access to community diagnostics. Additional funding has been allocated for the use of private capacity and for transitional care beds to improve patient flow.

At an overall level, the non-core allocation will fund the post-pandemic escalation in demand and activity across our acute hospitals. This interim, once-off funding will be linked to a comprehensive programme of financial governance reform, including cost efficiencies and productivity measures. These arrangements are currently being developed and will be finalised before the end of the year.

Additionally, as set out in the National Development Plan, €1.231bn has been allocated to health capital expenditure in 2024 for the delivery of additional health infrastructure to enhance the wider sustainability of our health system.

Overall, it is the view of my Department that the health system is well funded. Excluding disabilities, the allocation for health spending has increased by approximately €7.4 billion from 2019 to 2024. International metrics also confirm that the health care system in Ireland is well funded, especially given our relatively young population. Irish Health expenditure ranks 2nd only to US and above other EU countries as a % of GNI and as % of Government Spending.

Questions on specific aspects of the overall health package and on the health allocation in general are best addressed to the Minister for Health.