Seanad debates

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

5:00 am

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, said last year that a serious loss of life would happen in north Dublin hospitals. The Labour Party and Fine Gael promised to retain services. They said they would do it even though they knew what this country's financial situation was at the time. As I said, the amount of tax that is coming in is greater than that expected at the time of the budget. The Government also has €200 million from the pensions levy that is not being spent on the jobs initiative. I urge the Government to stop saying Fianna Fáil caused all of this. The figures were available to the Government parties before they took office. They have collected more tax than was anticipated. It is about time they put the money where their mouths were at election time. In July, when this country's financial circumstances were known, the cuts mentioned by the Minister of State - the staff reductions, the temporary closure of wards and the phased closure of 12 beds - were described by the Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming by-election as "too far, too deep and too dangerous". He said that such "draconian measures" could not "proceed without hurting patient care and safety". Government policy is one thing, but it is about time candidates in election battles started saying another thing. I am glad the Minister of State said at the outset that "reports that services at Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown are to be downgraded are without foundation" although she qualified that by listing various ward closures. We appreciate her commitment to maintaining a 24-hour service at the hospital's accident and emergency department. A doctor told us yesterday that he expects the department to close. We will accept the commitment the Minister of State has given us. We will certainly hold the Government to that commitment.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.