Statement by Health Minister
Date published:
I welcome the additional funding being provided to my Department in-year.
While this makes some contribution to reducing the deficit position facing the Health and Social Care system, a significant shortfall still remains.
I am still not in a position to balance the Health budget without taking measures which would be regarded as having a catastrophic impact on services. I have repeatedly made clear I will not be sanctioning such measures.
The ongoing and significant budgetary shortfall is before a 2024/25 pay uplift can be considered.
The financial position therefore remains very challenging and work continues across the HSC system to deliver the maximum possible savings and efficiency.
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