HSE budget controls will have consequences, warns Varadkar

Health Minister Leo Varadkar said the next government must look at the “consequences” of making the health service live within its budget, a day after backing a controversial HSE 2016 service plan.

He made the comments alongside his direct predecessor, current Children’s Minister Dr James Reilly at the launch of new legislation to ban smoking in cars carrying children.

Responding to questions about the scale of difficulties facing the system next year and the fact that no supplementary budget will be available if problems arise, Mr Varadkar said despite the negativity, it is possible to stay within budget.