Budget watchdog says health spending forecasts are 'unrealistically low'

Unplanned overruns have been almost as large as the planned-for increases themselves

Hospitals accounted for €264m of the average annual €590m health overrun between 2015 and 2019. Picture: iStock

Updated costings for Sláintecare healthcare reforms that factor in pay and price increases are urgently needed, Ireland's budget watchdog has said.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) said public spending on health in Ireland has been rising at a fast pace and will come under further pressure as the population ages and major reforms are implemented under the 10-year Sláintecare programme.