Minister Questions Value of Increased Health Funding in State

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has expressed concerns regarding the value derived from significant increases in health service funding over recent years. With the health budget projected to exceed €27 billion in 2026, she emphasized the need to ensure that taxpayers receive optimal value from this substantial investment.

In a statement, Carroll MacNeill noted that the health budget has effectively doubled since 2014, when funding stood at €14 billion. While she acknowledged a considerable expansion in resources, including the hiring of an additional 28,000 staff members over the past five years, she raised questions about whether the full benefits of this investment have been realized.

“I’m not sure we have got the best value that is available out of the investment so far,” she remarked. Recent changes in consultant contracts, which now allow approximately 66 percent of consultants to work Saturdays and late evenings, were highlighted as a step forward. Nonetheless, she pointed out that fewer appointments are being made per consultant despite their increased numbers.

Calls for Improved Appointment Rates

The Minister stressed that more appointments should be available to patients given the growth in the consultancy workforce. “We should be seeing more appointments in our health service for the number of consultants that we have invested in,” she stated.

Positive developments were also mentioned, such as the increase in outpatient clinics in Galway, which now operate three times a day instead of two, and changes in Naas that have led to an additional 5,000 appointments being scheduled.

Despite these advancements, Carroll MacNeill emphasized the necessity for greater consistency across the health system. She pointed out significant disparities in service delivery, illustrating the issue with stark statistics. For instance, in the midwest, 98 percent of urgent breast cancer referrals are seen promptly, while only 39 percent are seen in the west and northwest.

Similarly, in the southwest, 74 percent of audiology patients meet the 52-week target, contrasting sharply with only 48 percent in Dublin and the midlands. “This level of variation is unacceptable and avoidable. We must do better,” she asserted.

Future Priorities and Community Pharmacy Changes

Looking ahead, Carroll MacNeill outlined her priorities for the upcoming year, which include improving regional equity in access to health services, reducing waiting times, and ensuring safe, high-quality care.

Additionally, she announced a forthcoming agreement with community pharmacists that aims to enhance patient benefits. By early next year, possibly by St. Patrick’s Day, she anticipates that individuals will be able to visit pharmacies for diagnoses and prescriptions for common conditions, potentially at a lower cost than a general practitioner visit.

As the health service navigates these challenges and opportunities, the focus remains on maximizing the impact of increased funding to better serve the population.