Sir, – Minister for Health James Reilly and the HSE’s recent announcement of cuts in services makes a very clear statement as to what priorities this Government has with regard to the running of the country. It is clear that the Government is unwilling to fundamentally look at the payroll of its employees but prefers to make a number of cruel and hypocritical cuts in areas where defenceless minorities already struggle to cope.
It’s no wonder that the Coalition partners are beginning to snipe at each other as each looks to position itself as the good guy. However, neither appears to have the courage to make the decisions that are so obvious. Throw in the property tax in the next budget and I foresee an outcome where the backlash of the working “surviving class” of this country will far outweigh that of the ring-fenced public sector.
The spin, the posturing and waffle that have been prevalent in the last two years simply won’t be accepted in the coming weeks and months. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Prof Ray Kinsella’s contribution to the current healthcare debate (Opinion Analysis, September 3rd) offers an appropriate balance to the arguments that underpin the most recent cuts in healthcare.
He rightly suggests that rather than focusing narrowly on the increased cost of healthcare to the economy, the proper context of the debate is one which views healthcare as an investment in a healthy community and sustainable economy.
Major international declarations recognise health as a fundamental human right. It is considered a core right in the category of economic and social rights that government and society have an obligation to promote and protect.
The current crisis presents an opportunity for Ireland to implement innovative and just health policies and practices that reflect a commitment to human dignity and the common good. An effective response to this opportunity requires a values-driven collaboration by significant stakeholders, including Government, healthcare professionals, representatives of the business community and representatives of faith traditions that have a long tenure in the provision of healthcare. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Why are we spending money on a children’s referendum “to progress the measures that are needed to protect children” while the HSE has no money to spend on basic supports for our children and young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities?
At present, it appears that the HSE is sanctioning “life-saving” equipment only, which means that those who need basic appliances such as walkers, wheelchairs and orthopedic equipment are being put on a waiting list until the end of the year at least.
For children who have literally grown out of specialised equipment, such as shoes, wheelchairs and so on, this is an unbelievable situation. What are they to do? Will the referendum help them? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – There is a simple solution to Dr Reilly’s funding problem – get the patients to bring in their own toilet paper. As many primary school principals will tell you, toilet paper is no longer a right to be expected from an institution, but is merely a privilege for those who can afford it. – Yours, etc,