While no details of any cuts were given, unions heard that the HSE is projecting an overrun of around €300m by the end of the year.
A significant element of this is money not budgeted for this year for the repayment of nursing home charges, levied in the past.
Dave Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the Irish Nurses' Organisation, said that the Executive is looking to pull services back in line with its 2008 service plan.
He said that may result in reductions in inpatient and day case treatments.
The HSE says its measures will not affect front line services.
Further meetings between the unions and the HSE are expected.
