It ha been confirmed that the health budget this year has overspent by a whopping €351 million. But savings being made on pension payments and cuts to the capital budget mean the bailout of Dr. James Reilly and his Department will be around €200 million.
The Cabinet discussed the health overspend earlier today in the absence of Minister Reilly who is at meetings in Brussels.
The supplementary estimate for health will be discussed at the Health Committee on Thursday and voted through next week.
But a document published today shows the Health Service Executive (HSE) has overspent by €351 million.
However a slash to the capital budget of €50 million and cutting another €82 million from pension lump sum payments will leave the bailout needed at €219 million.
And the Department of Health expects to make another €20 million in savings, meaning James Reilly needs an extra €199 million which is to come from other government departments.
