FF calls on FG/Lab to break silence over North East health cuts – Byrne

Meath East Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne is calling on the Fine Gael and Labour Oireachtas members in Meath and Louth to break their silence over sweeping cuts to hospital services in the North East.

Senator Byrne commented, “How is it that the 8 Government TDs and 3 Government Senators in Meath and Louth have been ‘unavailable’ to go on local radio this week to explain to the people who elected them why these drastic to our local health services are justified?

“The only thing we have heard from the Government parties is a statement from the Fine Gael press office last week denying the extent of the cuts and accusing my colleague Seamus Kirk of ‘scaremongering’ for raising legitimate concerns.

“We now know that 50 beds are being closed down in our local hospitals and that there will be major gaps in frontline staffing levels, as the use of agency staff and overtime is axed while the ban on recruitment remains in place.

“All of this has caused real concern and distress for patients and their families right across this region.  It is disgraceful the Government representatives have gone to ground instead of coming out to explain what is going on here. The very least that the people of Meath and Louth deserve is an honest explanation from the people they elected. I am calling on the Fine Gael and Labour TDs and Senators in this area to do the right thing and break their silence.”