Monday, October 21, 2013
Health Minister James Reilly faces calls to reverse planned cuts of €666m to his department and services next year, amid claims that the Coalition is ramming through flawed spending estimates.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny also faced personal criticism last night that he was neglecting the North, despite a growing sense of crisis there and an increase in sectarian disputes. The critical comments were made by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin in a speech made as he attended the annual Wolfe Tone commemoration. More opposition to the proposed health cuts is expected tomorrow when pensioners march on the Dáil over a series of issues, including the removal of full medical cards for thousands of people. Commenting on the planned €666m in cuts, Mr Martin said: “This doesn’t have to be. The Government can and should pull back. “Fianna Fáil will fight against any effort to push through these flawed and dangerous health estimates.” He also promised that his party would fight against the proposals in the budget to target older people for the removal of key benefits. The Cork TD strongly criticised Taoiseach Enda Kenny over the Coalition’s role in the North, as well as that of Britain’s Tory-led government. “They have been complacent and disinterested,” he said. “Particularly damaging is how the entire issue of development through North-South co-operation has been ignored.” Mr Kenny had not participated in a recent investment conference on the North; key infrastructure projects had been abandoned; and leading parties had gone to Downing St to launch a key development plan for the North which did not mention the south of Ireland, he claimed. He praised the role of previous taoisigh in the peace process, including that of Bertie Ahern, but added: “Formal meetings and dinners aren’t enough — you have to spend the time developing links and building trust. “The current Taoiseach needs to start giving it his attention or the consequences may be much greater than we already fear.” Mr Martin said there has been a growing sense of crisis in the North this year. “Sectarian disputes are on the rise and public faith in the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement has collapsed,” he added.