Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

-----regarding the devastating effects of health cutbacks, the suffering of individuals on waiting lists and the fact that working class people and those on middle and lower incomes cannot afford private health insurance? What happened to the Tánaiste's concern for them? The fact is that the budget is set in an arbitrary manner. A cut of €20 million in the hospital's funding will be devastating. There is no point in the Tánaiste referring to the overall level of service and hinting that perhaps some other hospital - for example, Beaumont - can provide what is required. Beaumont and the Mater are already under the most devastating pressure. The position is apocalyptic for those awaiting hospital procedures at a time when there has been a wholesale reduction in the level of services. This gives rise to grievous suffering and places huge pressure on staff.

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