Extra €500 million to address HSE overrun

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris today welcomed the Government approval of a Revised Estimate for the Department of Health of €500 million.

“My top priority is addressing some immediate problems facing patients as well as seeing Programme for Government commitments for the first 100 days implemented,” the Minister said.

“I am pleased to say that as a result of today’s announcement I am confident that we will have confirmed funding for a winter initiative to help address overcrowding in Emergency Departments.

“As an integral part of this initiative, I will increase resources for home care services. I can also confirm that the revised estimate will allow us to restore the full ring-fenced mental health budget and provide more funding to school-leavers with disabilities.”

The Minister said that alongside this extra money, there will be “an improved” level of accountability across the service.

“The allocation to address the budget overrun in the HSE will be underpinned by an improved governance and accountability framework. Health service management will be accountable for performing within the budget set by these additional resources,” said Minister Harris.

“It is in acute hospitals that Government sees the greatest need for improved accountability and control.”