Minister mulls further extension for 2014 HSE plan

The Health Minister says he will consider a further extension to the HSE for the preparation of its Service Plan if required.

Under laws the HSE must produce its plan - which will outline the likely extent of health cutbacks for next year - within 21 days of the estimates being published.

However the organisation has already been given an extra 10 days in light of the challenges faced in finding €666m in savings.

Minister Reilly said today that he can grant extra time if necessary.

"I have written to the HSE and advised them that I have allowed them another 10 days - or until the 15th of November - to adopt and submit the 2014 Service Plan for my consideration," he said.

"I'll have to wait and see if that's possible, given the challenges they face, that they may indeed need a further extension.

"I'll consider that if that is the case," he added.