Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I reject the Taoiseach's assertion that this is about cutting costs but not services. It is very clear from the letter from the four hospital CEOs that their experience is that it is not simply prudent, cost-cutting savings that are being made but that services are being undermined. This morning cancer patients and their families woke to the news that they are next in line to be hit by health budget cuts. It is very clear that the crisis in the health system is getting worse. The CEOs of four of the State's largest hospitals tell us that cancer services will be affected and those patients will suffer. Most astonishingly, the Minister for Health refuses to comment. His get-out was that this letter was sent to the HSE. It is abundantly clear that the Minister, Deputy Reilly, is part of the problem. He is continuing with the same failed approach of the last Government and Deputy Martin in his time.

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