Investment in Donegal’s health budget has been cut by over €53million in 6 years, a politician has discovered.
Inishowen Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray has expressed his disappointment at confirmation that investment in Donegal’s health service has been reduced from €188,206,256 in 2008 to €134,642,830 in 2014.
The figures were made available in a response to a parliamentary question submitted by his colleague Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn.
“It is no exaggeration to say that cuts to the health service are a matter of life and death for many of those who need it. Donegal’s health service is a vital component of the public sector in this county,” said Cllr Murray.
“Top quality healthcare should be a right for all out citizens.
“I am personally opposed to many of the cuts made by this government and its predecessors but I feel strongly that all politicians should unite in a common belief that there should to be a threshold of decency beyond which there can be no cuts.
“Sapping our health service by over €53million is a massive blow to hospitals, clinics and emergency services in Donegal.
“Staff providing essential frontline services are stretched to the limit, while the sick and injured cannot receive the care they need.
“On an almost daily basis we are being told of further health cuts which have devastating untold consequences to people in this county; people who cannot survive without them.
“I am calling on all politicians to unite in calling for a reversal of cuts to the health service in Donegal. This is one area which we can all agree is a step too far.”