HSE Director General Tony O'Brien has confirmed that the HSE has asked Health Minister James Reilly for a further extension on the production of its service plan for 2014.

Minister Reilly is currently considering the HSE's request.

The HSE has already been given an extension until tomorrow for the publication of its service plan, which is expected to outline cuts and savings measures for the health service next year totalling at least €666 million.

Mr O'Brien told the Dail Public Accounts Committee that the formulation of the HSE service plan had been significantly more complex than it had been in previous years.