Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We had a strange day in Limerick yesterday when 25 beds in St. John's Hospital were summarily closed owing to budget constraints. This will cause massive concern for patients. St. John's Hospital is a step-down facility for patients from Limerick University Hospital and the bed closures show the chaos in the health system. It was strange that, at the same time, the Minister for Finance could be seen laughing and cavorting as he announced the takeover of a private hospital, Barrington's Hospital, by another private hospital. The name of the other private hospital is Bon Secours Systems Limited. I have to be frank and say I was absolutely shocked and disgusted to see pictures like these showing the Minister for Finance with a giant key, smiling and laughing.