The Health Minister is insisting patient safety will not be compromised by budget overruns.

James Reilly yesterday revealed the HSE has already overspent by €158 million after the first five months of the year.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has also admitted that the Department of Health will need a bailout as a result.

At the current rate, an extra budget would be needed by autumn to stop the HSE running out of money before the year is out.

However Minister Reilly says the quality of care being provided by the HSE will not be affected.