Gilmore: Those most in need will be cared for, despite health cuts

on 31/08/2012 14:58:40

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has insisted that cuts in health services will be assessed on an individual basis.

Eamon Gilmore said the €130m of cuts announced by the HSE "are regrettable".

Many cuts will come to home help and personal assistant hours for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Among the measures announced by the HSE to tackle its deficit of €259m are:

* 50% cuts to agency staff and 10% cut to overtime - saving €35m;

* 5.5% cut to home help hours - saving €10.8m;

* Cuts to 200 homecare packages - saving about €1.7m;

* Reduction of personal assistant hours - saving €10m.

In addition, more than 50,000 medical card holders will no longer qualify for a range of drugs and nutritional supplements.

The Tánaiste said today that those who need services most will get them.

"What we have to be focused on is the need of somebody (with) a care or disability need to be cared for and provided for, and that is going to be our approach on this issue," he said.