PD control of Health Department unacceptable - Ó Caoláin

Mary Harney

Sinn Féin Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that it would be “unacceptable” to the people of the 26 Counties for the PDs to remain in control of the Health ministry.
“The idea of the PDs having control over the Department of Health for another five years would be unacceptable to the vast majority of people in this State. If the PDs are allowed to implement their policies we will have an American model health system where your income and where you live totally dictate the type of healthcare you receive,” Ó Caoláin said.
“The issue of co-location is just one aspect of their privatisation agenda but it is one which will have deep implications for our hospital system. The allocation of land to private developers that may be required for the public health system is ill- thought out, and claims around the number of beds that will be provided do not stand up to scrutiny. Nor have they given any consideration as to where the staff for these hospitals will come from. This is critical given the shortage of staff in many areas of the public health system,” he said.
“Tackling the crisis in healthcare will be one of the most important issues facing the new government. We oppose the PDs being returned to the health portfolio and will use all opportunities open to us to encourage the abandonment of their privatisation agenda, and its replacement with a solid commitment to a decent public health system for all,” Ó Caoláin said.