Leo Varadkar ‘not contemplating any cutbacks’ in health service next year

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has insisted he is “not contemplating any cutbacks” in the health service next year, despite admitting new programmes may need to be “deferred” if the system’s financial challenges are not overcome.

Mr Varadkar rejected opposition claims officials may have no other option than to reduce services in the second half of the year to stay within budget as they no longer have a supplementary budget option to fall back on during the launch of the HSE’s service plan yesterday.

Speaking during a packed press conference at Dr Steevens’ Hospital in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said while the plan is challenging “there are financial risks in any budget or service plan”.