Minister for Health Mary Harney has said she does not believe that patient care will be affected by budgetary cuts at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.
Ms Harney said that the hospital has seen a 40% increase in funding since the Health Service Executive was formed four years ago.
She said all hospitals had to operate within budget and Crumlin should be no different.
The minister said an additional €7m was granted to the Dublin hospital this year.
Certain issues within the health service had to be prioritised, she added.
