• Budget represent a relative decline in the amount of money being put aside for the health services
• Increased funding not enough even to keep pace with rising demand for health services

Tuesday 6^th October 2026.  The President of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), Professor Matthew Sadlier, has warned that the €1.6 bn increased budget for for health in today’s budget will NOT be sufficient to meet existing demand not to mind improve services or tackle waiting lists.

 

Speaking after the publication of Budget 27 today, Professor Sadlier pointed out that last year’s budget had a shortfall of almost €1bn - highlighting the inadequacy of the amount announced today.

 

Professor Sadlier also criticised the repeated focus on rooting out savings in the health services as opposed to an acknowledgement that we need urgent and long-term investment in beds, workforce and treatments.

 

The IMO has said that the Government needs to be honest with the public that the budget they are proposing for health will mean reduced funding for services, longer waiting lists, continued overcrowding and further stress throughout the health services. 

 

Professor Sadlier also expressed concern about mixed messages from the Government on the broader issue of public health; “we are trying to reduce alcohol consumption and are facing an increase in obesity yet for the last two budgets Government has offered significant support to fast food operators and now to rural publicans – all the more galling for rural GPs who are struggling with significant challenges and lack of funding to meet the health needs of the rural population.”