The outgoing Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Brendan Drumm, has said that any respite services that were previously cut have been restored.
Professor Drumm said it would be difficult for cuts of €600m to €700m this year not to impact on frontline services if there is an unwillingness to make significant changes in how health services are delivered.
He also said most of the cutbacks in the health service must come from hospitals.
Mr Drumm highlighted the Galway/Roscommon area, and said keeping hospitals open overnight cannot be justified because the activity is extremely small.
However, he said there is still scope to reduce backrooms costs in areas like the disability services.
Professor Drumm, who leaves his position with the HSE in the coming weeks, said what is most important is that health service continues on the road to reform.
That means investment in community services needs to continue, he said.
