Budget 2022: Tensions in Government over 'discrepancies' in  health figures 

Sources have told the Irish Examiner that, officially, the Department of Health is reporting a budget underspend, but Mr Donnelly’s officials have claimed the true position is one of 'break even'. File picture. 

Tensions have mounted within Government over Department of Health spending figures ahead of the budget amid lengthening hospital waiting lists and overcrowding.

With three weeks to Budget 2022, there is no agreement on the amount of money required to address looming crises for the health service, particularly spiralling hospital waiting lists — which top 907,000 patients — and the formulation of a winter plan to address an expected surge in demand for services.