Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland
Health

€532 million hole proves that health budget is "not fit for purpose" says Fianna Fáil

Billy Kelleher says the HSE’s budget is based on “flaky assumptions”.

REVELATIONS THAT THE Department of Health will overspend by over €500 million show that the health budget is “not fit for purpose”.

That is the opinion of Fianna Fáil’s health spokesperson Billy Kelleher.

Kelleher was speaking after an Irish Independent report claimed that a confidential government document forecasts that the Department of Health will overspend by €532 million.

The overspend would put significant pressure on the government’s ability to ease cuts from elsewhere.

The HSE’s chief financial officer told the paper that he didn’t believe that the overspend would reach the €532 million, with other sources saying the figure will be closer to €200 million.

Whatever the figure, Kelleher feels that the budget is “unrealistic”.

“While it would be too early to make any conclusions on the full financial outturn for the year, what this morning’s story proves very clearly is the point Fianna Fáil have been making for some time – that the Health Budget negotiated by Minister James Reilly is simply not fit for purpose.

“It was unrealistic to begin with, was based on flaky assumptions and flakier targets, and was cobbled together to get Minister Reilly through a short term problem with no thought for the longer term implications.

“What we need is a proper reappraisal of the health budget and reassurance from Government that budget issues will not be allowed to impact on front line services.”

Read: Senators pass law banning smoking in cars with children – and the government’s backing it

Column: ‘The doctors didn’t think it could be bowel cancer – I was 22, fit, and didn’t smoke’

Your Voice
Readers Comments
59
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.