Health service receives highest ever budget of €29bn
The Irish health service has been allocated a record €29 billion budget for 2027, focusing on increased capacity, home support, and expanded access to contraception and mental health services. However, industry representatives remain skeptical about the focus on productivity over addressing systemic root causes.
Why it matters
Reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing record-level public health funding with the operational realities of service delivery and staffing.
The health service is to receive over €29 billion next year in total funding - its highest ever allocation.
It means there will be an extra €1.6 billion for day-to-day spending next year.
There will be over €27.3bn for day-to-day services and €1.7bn for capital developments, including the new National Children's Hospital and the new National Maternity Hospital.
It represents an increase of €160m in capital spending.
The staff ceiling for the health service will be set at 139,744.
An extra 1.8 million home support hours will be provided to help people remain at home and leave hospital.
Access to free contraception will be extended to those aged 37 years. Currently, it is free for those aged 17-35.
Health efficiencies will be sought through greater use of theatres, outpatient clinics and diagnostics.
Health will get extra funding for the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, including new ADHD pathways.
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