Health supplementary estimate
Micheál Martin asks whether health spending pressures and hospital deficits will require a Supplementary Estimate. Michael Noonan says it is too early in the budget year to consider one and refers other matters to the Health Minister.
Can the Minister indicate whether we will need a Supplementary Estimate for health this year given that the Minister for Health has made it clear he does not believe he can make the savings outlined in the Haddington Road agreement under the health Vote? Acute hospitals are indicating that they will be significantly in deficit and spending more than they were provided with. There are considerable pressures on acute hospitals across the system now. We have heard about the €100 million excess concerning medical card probity. The Minister for Finance initiated this and it is causing huge strains regarding medical cards and has caused great distress. All in all, the circumstances with regard to health suggest the centre cannot hold as matters stand. I would like the Minister for Finance to confirm whether we are likely to see a Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health.
Can the Minister confirm when the hospital insurance fund, as promised by the Government, will be introduced? It is to assist hospitals in more remote locations that may not have a large throughput of patients in providing important local services. Could the Minister indicate when the legislation for the establishment of universal hospital care insurance will be available?
When are we likely to see the completion of the review of the fair deal system of financing home care and the development of what the programme for Government states is a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long-term care that supports older people in staying in their homes?
Comment on this
We have no legislation on the insurance fund. I will have to get back to the Deputy on that.
The fair deal review is not really a matter for the Order of Business, so I suggest that the Deputy submit a question to the Minister for Health-----
Comment on this
It is in the programme for Government.
Comment on this
-----so as to obtain the details on it.
On the Deputy's first question, we are only four months into the budgetary year. We are coming towards the end of the fifth month. The Deputy will know from his experience of government that Supplementary Estimates would not be considered this early in the year.