Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On page 53 of the programme for Government, it is stated that increases in health budgets were pledged and that this promise has been followed through. It is also stated that the biggest ever allocation for health was provided in budget 2017.

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However, in the South/South West hospital group, funding is being sucked dry by County Cork. Kerry is being left subservient to Cork. If this is allowed to continue, University Hospital Kerry will be left as a glorified community hospital because all operations will be taking place in Cork.

A number of months ago, I presented the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, with a programme whereby cataract operations could be undertaken in County Kerry. This plan was agreed with the South/South West hospital group but there has been no movement on the plan to date. Last week, I again reported the case of a man who will go blind under the Minister's watch in County Kerry. That is not right. It should not be allowed to happen.

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