Donnelly defends his health budget amid heavy criticism 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: 'Most of the spending for this year which is above what has been budgeted for is due to higher prices, higher patient demand than was forecast and then has been provided for in the budget.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Minister Stephen Donnelly has defended the health budget against criticism of inadequacy, saying plans are constrained by rises in patient numbers linked to post-pandemic effects.

This year’s over-spend is projected to come in at €1.1bn or even more by year’s end, the HSE has said.