WELL-KNOWN ECONOMIST Jim Power will be going head to head with Labour’s health spokeswoman, Jan O’Sullivan, tomorrow night in the first of a series of major debates on healthcare. Mr Power will be arguing against the motion that all patients are entitled to equal access to healthcare, whatever their lifestyle choices, and Ms O’Sullivan will argue in favour.
Mr Power recently conducted a study on the effect a €2 increase on a packet of cigarettes would have on tax revenues.
Others taking part in the debate include Dr Donal O’Shea, consultant endocrinologist, well known for work on tackling obesity, and Prof Charles Normand, professor of health policy and management at Trinity College, Dublin. Dr O’Shea will be speaking in favour of the motion and Prof Normand against.
It is being held in the Science Gallery at Trinity College, Pearse Street. Chaired by Irish Timescolumnist Fintan O'Toole, it is open to the public.
Next month’s debate, which is being held in UCC, will discuss the issue of co-located hospitals. A hot topic in Cork, the issue has already generated a lot of debate nationally.
Tickets for tomorrow night’s debate may be obtained by e-mailing healthdebates@ogilvy.com, or by calling Serena Leyden on 01-6690030.