Health Committee Hears Department's Spending Proposals

The Assembly Health Committee today questioned officials on the Department’s spending priorities over the next three years as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Department is putting forward substantial proposals totalling more than £1bn a year by 2010-11 but makes it clear that this still falls short of what is required for health.

Chairperson of the Committee, Iris Robinson MP, said: “The Committee recognises that the outcome of the current UK Comprehensive Spending Review is likely to result in a very small increase in the funding available for Northern Ireland Departments. However, I believe it is vital that we secure realistic funding for the health service.”

Mrs Robinson said “The Committee is seriously concerned that mental health services have been badly neglected over many years and the opportunity of this spending review must be taken to start addressing this issue. The Committee has already heard concerns about services for people with learning disabilities and those with eating disorders and we will shortly hear directly from families affected by suicide.”

Earlier the Committee heard the concerns of the British Medical Association and the British Dental Association about proposals relating to patient safety and dental services contained in the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

Note to Editor:

Committee Membership: 
Mrs Iris Robinson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Ms Michelle O’Neill (SF) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Thomas Buchanan (DUP); Rev Dr Robert Coulter (UUP); Dr Kieran Deeny (IHC); Mr Alex Easton (DUP); Mr Tommy Gallagher (SDLP); Mrs Carmel Hanna (SDLP); Mr John McCallister (UUP); Ms Carál Ní Chuilín (SF); Ms Sue Ramsey (SF)

The Clerk to the Committee is Mr Hugh Farren, Room 412, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.