Gormley reiterates opposition to co-location of private hospitals on public land
The Green Party today reiterated its total opposition to the Government’s ‘co-location’ plans to build private hospitals on public land.
Green Party Health spokesperson John Gormley TD said: “I stated quite clearly at our party conference last month that the Green Party, in Government, is strongly opposed to the building of private hospitals on public land and would end any tax breaks that might aid the privatisation of our health service. If in Government with like-minded parties, it is clear that these building projects will very quickly run into difficulties. While we would honour contracts previously signed it would be hugely devious and dishonest of the outgoing Government to rush through these contracts in its final hours.
“The Progressive Democrats and their ideologically flexible allies in Fianna Fail are intent on entrenching inequality. We do not agree on the promotion of a two-tiered health system where treatment is given on the basis of ability to pay rather than medical need. Fianna Fail, in the past, has committed itself to equal access of all patients. This latest move by the PDs runs in the face of that. If Fianna Fail continues to support the PDs in these moves then it can no longer say it is committed to social justice,” Deputy Gormley concluded.