Stephen Donnelly accused of 'making it up as he goes along' amid criticism of health budget

Stephen Donnelly said his plans are constrained by a rise in patient numbers. Picture: Brian Lawless

The health minister has been accused of "making it up as he goes along" amid stinging opposition criticism of the budget for health services.

Stephen Donnelly's department was handed a €22.5bn budget in Tuesday's announcement, but that will feature little in the way of additional money as Mr Donnelly said his plans are constrained by rises in patient numbers linked to post-pandemic effects.