Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach stated it is difficult to make these decisions but these are the easy options. It is difficult to tackle the elites, the wealthy and those who actually are in power in the State. It is not difficult to tackle the elderly, those who are sick and young people. How does the Taoiseach expect the health service to survive a cut of up to €1 billion next year on top of the billions taken out of health over the past five years by this Administration and by Fianna Fáil? How does he expect it to survive at all? Moreover, this is not a mathematical question but one of ideology. Either citizens have the right to universal health care or they do not. The Government clearly believes they do not. Moreover, it is wedded to this austerity agenda in face of all the facts, all the disadvantage and all the hardship that is being caused, as well as all the destruction that is being inflicted on society, on communities and families.

To take the example of prescription charges, the Government promised it would cut them. When in opposition, the Government parties railed against Fianna Fáil when it introduced a change during its stewardship. However, the Government has increased this charge fivefold, despite giving a clear commitment during the general election campaign that the Minister, Deputy Reilly, would abolish prescription charges. The Government has also axed the telephone allowance, thereby increasing the social isolation of elderly people in rural Ireland in particular but also in urban areas.

A big question going about at present is whether the Minister, Deputy Reilly, should resign. That is a no-brainer, as of course he should do so.

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