The long-term funding of the DHSS is to be reviewed by the Council of Ministers.

A working group has been set up by the Council’s social policy committee and will review the department’s financial position with the aim to achieve a balance during the new financial year.

It will also examine options for a sustainable long-term funding policy for the DHSS, taking into account the pressures the department is expected to face over the next decade.

It will report on an interim basis from September this year.

The group will be chaired by chief secretary, Mary Williams, and health professionals will be encouraged to contribute.