Health budget plan doesn’t add up, says critic

Health Minister Leo Varadkar’s budget plan "doesn’t add up" and risks a series of promised reforms not happening next year, a leading economist has warned.

Health expert Brian Turner made the claim as Dr Varadkar became embroiled in a separate public spat with doctors over whether spending is set to rise or fall.

Just 24 hours after announcing a €305m rise the minister said means the “cycle of cuts” is over, the Irish Medical Organisation said in reality State spending will fall — not rise — by €295m.