Latest Troika revelations confirm Minister Reilly out of his depth – Kelleher

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health, Billy Kelleher TD, says the latest revelation that the Troika will seek monthly reports on spending in the Department of Health further illustrates that Minister Reilly is completely out of his depth.

Deputy Kelleher commented: “Reports today that the Troika will seek monthly updates about spending in the Department of Health is further evidence that no one is in charge of the Department and Minister Reilly has no control over spending.

“The leaked elements of this internal EU Commission report make for very grim reading. It reiterates what I have been saying; the sweeping changes that were promised by the Minister have utterly failed, so much so that promised savings earmarked for this year will not materialise unless there is sustained and constant scrutiny by the Troika.

“We can’t have the same situation as we had last year where a supplementary budget of €360 million was needed despite callous cuts to Home Help hours as well as cuts to the Respite Care Grant and homecare supports.

“It is clear that both nationally and internationally there is not a shred of confidence in Minister Reilly. He can’t be trusted to keep his budget in order and the much heralded reforms on universal health care; generic drugs and free GP care are more examples of broken promises from this government.

“It is blatantly clear that Minister Reilly is out of his depth; his shambolic mismanagement of the Health Department has led to controversy after controversy.

“Recently the Taoiseach said he was going to keep a close eye on Health spending. There is no evidence of that and now the Troika is becoming directly involved. This is a damning verdict of Minister Reilly and adds more weight to calls for him to be removed before any more damage is done to the Health sector.”