Sinn Féin will hold protests at 11 hospital sites to oppose government 'land bonanza' for developers
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the public to support Sinn Féin protests which will take place at eleven hospitals tomorrow, Wednesday 9th August, to oppose the use of public land at the sites for the development of private hospitals.
Speaking in advance of the day of action Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
"Sinn Féin is calling for public land and public finances to be used in the public system only. This is the best way to deliver a quality public health system.
"Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrat plan to use millions of Euros of taxpayers' money to enrich wealthy investors. This will increase inequality in access to healthcare and undermine the public sector.
"Dozens of firms have applied to the Health Service Executive to develop private hospitals on public hospital grounds. Investors are literally queuing up to take advantage of the Minister's generosity at our expense. Already private hospital developers enjoy massive tax breaks and now they are being given a land bonanza.
"Protests will take place at the 11 sites identified by the HSE - Waterford Regional Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Limerick Regional Hospital, Galway University Hospital, Sligo General Hospital, Letterkenny General Hospital, Adelaide & Meath Hospital, St. James's Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, Connolly Hospital and Our Lady's Hospital in Drogheda." ENDS
Note - Protests will take place at the following hospitals:
Dublin
St. James Hospital -- James Street Entrance - 11am (This will be attended by Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Mary Lou McDonald MEP and Councillor Críona Ní Dálaigh)
Beaumount Hospital -- Kilmore Road entrance -- 7.30pm
James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown -- 6.30pm
Tallaght Hospital -- 6pm
Munster
Waterford Regional Hospital - 1pm
Cork University Hospital - 7pm
Midwestern Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle, Limerick - 7.30pm
Connaught/Ulster
Galway University Hospital 1pm-2.30pm
Sligo General Hospital (Saturday 1pm)
Letterkenny General Hospital - 12 noon
Leinster
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda 1pm-2pm