Menu
27/01/2016
Health Minister Accused Of 'Breathtaking Arrogance'
The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has been accused of "breathtaking arrogance" for his alleged dismissive response to the Euro Health Consumer Index on hospital waiting times.
Fianna Fáil health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, said that Mr Varadkar's response to the index showed "just how out of touch the government is with the realities facing the health services".
"The breath-taking arrogance of Leo Varadkar to simply cast this report aside is outrageous. Ireland previously maintained mid-table performance in this index between 2009 and 2012 and then fell to last place under the performance of this government," Deputy Kelleher said.
"Waiting times for emergency care in Irish hospitals are the worst in Europe. That's not opposition. It's a matter of fact. The Minister can't choose which facts he'll take seriously and which ones he can ignore.
"Fine Gael and their arrogant approach have caused chaos in the health service. After five years of false budgets and unreachable targets our hospitals are more burdened than ever. Patients are forced to endure intolerable delays in Emergency Departments and Minister Varadkar has now gotten to a point where he calls the widespread cancellation of operations at major hospitals a success.
"It is clear Fine Gael is intent on attacking the vital services the public depend on. Fianna Fáil will invest in public services, increase staff numbers to provide better, safe work environments and restore dignity for patients."
(MH/LM)
Fianna Fáil health spokesperson, Billy Kelleher, said that Mr Varadkar's response to the index showed "just how out of touch the government is with the realities facing the health services".
"The breath-taking arrogance of Leo Varadkar to simply cast this report aside is outrageous. Ireland previously maintained mid-table performance in this index between 2009 and 2012 and then fell to last place under the performance of this government," Deputy Kelleher said.
"Waiting times for emergency care in Irish hospitals are the worst in Europe. That's not opposition. It's a matter of fact. The Minister can't choose which facts he'll take seriously and which ones he can ignore.
"Fine Gael and their arrogant approach have caused chaos in the health service. After five years of false budgets and unreachable targets our hospitals are more burdened than ever. Patients are forced to endure intolerable delays in Emergency Departments and Minister Varadkar has now gotten to a point where he calls the widespread cancellation of operations at major hospitals a success.
"It is clear Fine Gael is intent on attacking the vital services the public depend on. Fianna Fáil will invest in public services, increase staff numbers to provide better, safe work environments and restore dignity for patients."
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 April 2016
Sinn Féin Condemns Decision To Cut Mental Health Budget
A decision by the government to remove €12 million from the mental health budget has been condemned by Sinn Féin's TD, Dessie Ellis. Speaking ahead of a protest held on Thursday, Deputy Ellis said: "People suffering with mental health issues are strong, they deal with great pressures every day but they need our support to survive and recover.
Sinn Féin Condemns Decision To Cut Mental Health Budget
A decision by the government to remove €12 million from the mental health budget has been condemned by Sinn Féin's TD, Dessie Ellis. Speaking ahead of a protest held on Thursday, Deputy Ellis said: "People suffering with mental health issues are strong, they deal with great pressures every day but they need our support to survive and recover.
05 August 2015
All Patients To Receive Unique Number To Help Patient Safety
All patients using Health and Social Services care in Ireland are to receive a unique number to help patient safety, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has announced.
All Patients To Receive Unique Number To Help Patient Safety
All patients using Health and Social Services care in Ireland are to receive a unique number to help patient safety, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has announced.
04 February 2015
Govt Supports New Proposals To Tackle Alcohol Consumption
The government has signed off on new proposals by the Department of Health to cut down on alcohol consumption in Ireland to the OECD average by 2020. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 is part of a range of measures designed to reduce alcohol consumption.
Govt Supports New Proposals To Tackle Alcohol Consumption
The government has signed off on new proposals by the Department of Health to cut down on alcohol consumption in Ireland to the OECD average by 2020. Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the proposed Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 is part of a range of measures designed to reduce alcohol consumption.
02 April 2014
Minister Publishes Universal Healthcare: White Paper
The Minister for Health, James Reilly, T.D. today 2 April published 'The Path to Universal Healthcare: White Paper on Universal Health Insurance'.
Minister Publishes Universal Healthcare: White Paper
The Minister for Health, James Reilly, T.D. today 2 April published 'The Path to Universal Healthcare: White Paper on Universal Health Insurance'.
04 September 2019
One Third Of Students Experiencing Mental Health Issues
The government has been urged to fund better mental health services for students following a survey that revealed one third of college students are experiencing anxiety and mental health issues. The Union of Students of Ireland report found that 38% of students experienced severe levels of anxiety.
One Third Of Students Experiencing Mental Health Issues
The government has been urged to fund better mental health services for students following a survey that revealed one third of college students are experiencing anxiety and mental health issues. The Union of Students of Ireland report found that 38% of students experienced severe levels of anxiety.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
