HSE failed to spend one fifth of 2006 capital budget

The Health Service Executive reportedly failed to spend €100m that was allocated to it by the Government last year for new facilities and developments.

Reports this morning say the figure amounts to one fifth of the executive's capital budget for 2006.

Most of the money will now have to be returned to the Exchequer.

This morning's reports say the under-spending is being partially blamed on the lack of progress on major projects such as developments at Dublin's Mater Hospital.