The HSE could be forced to close wards, cancel operations and change medical card eligibility to combat its deficit.

That's according to a health economist - commenting on the news that the Health Service's overspend could reach €100-million by the year's end.

The HSE says hospitals and staff have already been asked to find extra areas where costs can be cut.

But Health Economist at UCC, Dr Brendan McElroy, told Newstalk's Breakfast the HSE may be forced to take matters into its own hands: