Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-07
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

I think the Deputy would agree that our budget year on year has increased. We had a budget last year of €105.4 billion. Within that, each Department is given a specific budget and within each Department, we are all expected to work within that overall budget. In terms of health, it is the case, and has to be the case, that if the HSE is given a particular budget, we work within that and where there are overspends or changes that are required, that is all done in line with that overall budget because if we overspend in one area, there are potential implications for a patient in another part of the country and we start to see that impact. Irrespective of what Department it is, we are all given budgets that are set for us. It is always important to try to stick within those budgets. However, we have a process in place where if there is a need or demand, Departments can engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. We have a process later in the year when it comes to our budget if there are overruns or there is need for overspends. Insofar as possible, however, Departments have to stick within our budgets. The Deputy will see that our budget was €105.4 billion last year. That is to cope with the increased demand and the need for increased services, including in health.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-07