PRESS RELEASE

Estimates show Health Remains Governments Top Priority

"The latest Government Estimates, which include the largest ever increase in Health spending, shows clearly that Health remains the number one priority for this Fianna Fáil led Government," said Deputy Kelleher. "For the first time in the history of the State, our health spend will top the £5 billion mark. The health spend in 2001 will be a full £2.6 billion higher than 1996, the Fine Gael-Labour Governement's last full year in office. Fianna Fáil in Government have effectively doubled the amount of money spent on health," he continued. "I understand that this massively increased health spend will fund a range of improvements right across our health service. For example £80 million will be spent on improving the working conditions of the junior doctors and £21 million is being spent on implementing a range of improvements for home helps across the country," he added. "I am also pleased to see that £285 million will be provided for capital projects, that's new hospitals, new wards, new medical equipment. This money will also be spent on the repair and upgrading of many existing medical facilities. For years these were under-funded and the time has come to change the situation," added the Cork TD. "The Government though is ensuring that this money is being well-spent. We have initiated a 'value for money audit' throughout the health service to ensure that every penny spent provided the best possible service for the patient," he said. "Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to modernising and developing our health service. We have already doubled the amount spent on health and have funded the largest increase in the history of the Irish health system. We will continue to work towards the improved, efficient health service which all our citizens deserve," concluded Deputy Kelleher.