Councillor condemns health "cuts"

Sinn Féin councillor Fiona Kerins has backed a motion from Socialist Party councillor Mick Barry condemning what they say are cuts to HSE spending in the Cork area.

Ms Kerins condemned the recent recruitment freeze imposed by the HSE for the month of September saying, "It is a disgrace that in this day and age of the so-called Celtic Tiger with an economy one of the richest in Europe per capita that we are witnessing cutbacks in our health service.

"Once again these cuts will affect not the wealthier sectors of society who can rely on private health care or the well paid bureaucrats in the higher echelon jobs, but the poor and marginalised sectors of our society who depend on public health care provision and the lowest paid health employees like nurses and ancillary workers."

She added, "This shows once again the need for an end to the two tier health system and the establishment of a properly funded universal health service free to all in need regardless of income and paid for out of general taxation."

She concluded, "The Government has the money available to it to do something worthwhile for this country instead of wasting the opportunity."

Transport funding welcomed

Knocknaheeny based councillor Tony Fitzgerald has welcomed a significant funding allocation to Cork by the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs.

The funding of €175,000 is part of a national allocation of €7 million under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) aimed at preventing drug use and encouraging young people to get involved in sport.

The funding for Cork includes a YPFSF minibus for Cork (€75,000), and allocations to the Curraheen Youth Project (€5,000); St Joseph's Community Centre (€35,000) and the Kerrigan Tyrell Youth Centre (€30,000).

Welcoming the funding, Cllr Fitzgerald said, "In particular I am delighted with the grant aid of €75,000 towards a transport initiative under the young people's facilities fund. I understand that this will be undertaken by the City of Cork VEC and I welcome their proactive approach in developing this initiative which I am sure will be very welcome by the many youth groups across the City".

Commenting on the announcement, Minister of State at the Department Pat Carey said, "This significant funding will build on the tremendous work which is already being undertaken through the YPFSF. Each project, small or large, will have an impact on the lives of the young people being targeted. Indeed, not alone will the young people particularly benefit, but their families and communities will benefit hugely too".

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