Sir, - I would like Mr McCreevy to clarify his statement of Friday September 28th advising that people must moderate their expectations to take account of the economic slowdown. I assumed this would apply to the Government's policy regarding Stadium Ireland, which would be adapted to the evolving situation. I was deeply concerned when I read in your edition of September 29th that the Taoiseach is believed to favour a final Cabinet decision to press ahead with the sports campus within weeks, once the report has been examined.
While the Government ducks and dives at every call to proceed with the radiotherapy report by an expert committee and requires protracted deliberation on the installation of much-needed radiotherapy services for the south-east, it seems that the investment of a minimum of £550 million can be concluded in three months.
I want to scream with anger at the injustice that people in this country cannot get cancer treatment without huge delays and major difficulties. They cannot hope for the survival rates that citizens in Europe and the US enjoy. While the Government would have us believe that the problems with the health service are an inappropriate use of resources, one has only to review the statistic that in 1980 Ireland had 9.7 beds per 1,000 people, while in 1998 that figure is 3.8.
I would like to say very clearly "no" to Stadium Ireland. The price to be paid by all sections of the community is too high. Would it be na∩ve to envisage the Taoiseach's passion for Stadium Ireland being matched by a passion for healthcare for our people - A passion that would replace the passivity of our experts in Government, health departments and health boards? - Yours, etc.,
Jane Bailey, Circular Road, Dunmore East, Co Waterford.