Statement by Health Minister

I welcome the additional funding being provided to my Department in-year.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

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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