The Health Minister has said he does not envisage cutbacks to services this year.

The HSE has already overspent by €120m in the first three months of the year, which could lead to an over-run close to €500m by December.

But under new budget rules bailouts of extra money are now not allowed as in previous years.

However Simon Harris believes extra money could still be provided for the health’s service: “There are clearly financial challenges facing our health service.

“My colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, did say in the Dáil this week that he is looking at the expenditure ceilings assigned to each department and indeed having discussions with ministerial colleagues in relation to them.

“The Taoiseach did also confirm yesterday, in the Dáil, that some departments will have their estimate somewhat revised.”