Comments from Health Minister James Reilly today seemed to suggest that the HSE will need a dig-out in the form of another supplementary budget this year.

The Minister said while this was not a situation he wanted to be in, the HSE had to deal with a “serious demographic issue.” Namely older people and their use of the health service.

Sunday Independent health journalist Terence Cosgrave and consultant ophthalmologist Prof. Michael O'Keefe joined George on The Right Hook this evening.

The panel discussed the government's commitment to funding a modern health service that looks after every individual, regardless of age. The performance of Minister Reilly in office was addressed, as well as the problems associated with the Health Department budget.

You can listen to the whole conversation below.