HSE chief: Budget for this year will not be enough

The HSE has admitted its controversial 2014 budget is not enough to meet demands on the service — two weeks into the new year.

The announcement was made by HSE director general Tony O’Brien last night during the first of two high-level meetings with the Oireachtas health committee this week.

During a three-hour grilling from the cross-party TDs and senators, the head of the health service said the “very significant” financial pressures on the system mean plans for this year are already in doubt.