Multiple HSE regions went above the 2% agreed spending.
The Department of Health says it will give budget autonomy back to HSE regions, when they prove they're in a better financial position, with more controls.
It follows revelations the department is likely to exceed its budget allocation for this year by around €1 billion, due to overruns in HSE regions.
In a statement the department acknowledged financial controls must be strengthened, saying it has sanctioned four HSE regions, with 'Dublin and Midlands' ,'HSE South West', 'West and NorthWest', and 'Dublin and SouthEast' all being sanctioned for going more than 2% above agreed spending.
It says they'll exit the sanction process when 'there is a sustained improvement in their financial position and controls'.
Executive Editor with the Daily Mail John Lee says the issue has been overshadowed by other budget controversies:
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