Elaine Loughlin: Despite a record €22bn set aside in budget, there is no money for health

Donnelly, despite his billions, cannot spend his way out of the many issues he will be confronted with in the coming months

With strike action by Section 39 workers looming next week; an inevitable trolley crisis later this year; staffing shortages across all sectors, and increased demand for services, Donnelly has another problem — he simply has no money.

Very few have emerged unscathed from the department famously dubbed ‘Angola’ more than 20 years ago.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is about to find this out.