HSE Budget: Service may not match demand over finance woes

HSE director general Tony O’Brien has warned the health service is facing a “substantial financial risk” next year, with fears its budget may be unable to cope with hospital underfunding, primary care pressures, and staff payment demands.

The head of the health service admitted the situation at the launch of the HSE’s service plan for next year, stressing that while officials will do “all within our power” to maintain services cuts may need to be considered “as a last resort”.

The 172-page HSE budget plan for next year was published yesterday after weeks of delays and a number of controversial election-focussed last-minute changes by cabinet.