It's reported the Department of Health is planning to fast-track a plan which would change the way hospitals are funded.

The Sunday Independent reports that instead of being given a block grant, hospitals would be funded based on the number of patients they treat and the services they offer.

The funding scheme, which is due to be rolled out in 38 hospitals next year, is expected to make substantial savings

The Minister for Health has said his department needs to make savings of 666 million euro next year, although some estimates put the figure at closer to one billion.