Simon Harris denies HSE budget overruns will force cut in services

Health Minister Simon Harris admits the HSE is failing to stay within budget, but denies he may be forced to slash vital services if the extra money isn’t found.

The minister admitted the budget overruns as he came under pressure from the opposition over the ongoing Orkambi cystic fibrosis drug controversy and claims this year’s health service funding plan fraudulently tried to convince voters the system was under control before the election.

Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings, Mr Harris confirmed that the HSE — which under new EU rules cannot receive a supplementary budget this year — was already €120m over-budget by March and is failing to keep its spending under control.