The North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) is likely to cut a number of health services after the Minister for Health and Children today ordered its the board to submit a service plan within its budget.
The board has rejected a service plan drawn up by its executive saying €483 million allocated was insufficient to maintain current service levels.
In a meeting with the minister earlier this week the board sought an increase in its funding for 2003, claiming that its allocation did not reflect the rate of population growth in the north eastern area.
But the Department today rejected that request and said in a statement the NEHB had received a funding increase "in line with the general increase made to all boards."
The chief executive of the board Mr Paul Robinson has also been ordered by Mr Martin to submit a service plan to the Department within the board's allocation for the year.