Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson, Roy Beggs MLA has called on Health Department Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly, to provide an explanation as to why only £15 million of extra funds for the health service is being drawn down.
Roy Beggs MLA said:
“The decision to only draw down £20million (£15m for Health and £5m for Education) of an available £50million to help deal with immediate pressures in health and education is one that will require further explanation.
“The de-facto Health Minister, Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly, needs to outline why, given the length of waiting lists and demand on the health service, only £15million will be accessed in this financial year and what the plans are for the remaining money. Is it a case that this is still an administration that can’t spend the money it’s given?
“Our health service needs certainty and that will not come without a Minister at the helm taking decisions that are accountable to an Assembly.”