Dublin North East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Councillor Larry O'Toole comments on the 2008 Budget.

Published: 14 October, 2008

Commenting on the effect of the 2008 Budget on the Health Services, Sinn Fein Councillor Larry O'Toole said: "The minimal increases in the Health budget go no way towards matching inflation and will lead to ever more problems in our Health Service. It beggars belief that Brian Lenihan and Fianna Fail supported by the Greens can stand over this incoherent strategy. People are being forced to pay more for medicines, A+E visits and means testing is being introduced for elderly medical card holders."

"Instead of these punitive measures, we need to ensure that at a time of predicted hardship, the most vulnerable in our society are protected. I would call on the Green Party as well as Deputy Finian McGrath, to state honestly to the people whether they support these draconian measures and then explain why. Sinn Fein will continue to vigorously oppose them, and so should all progressive politicians in the state."