Mixed and predictable reaction to budget estimates

There has been a predictable reaction to the Government’s release of the budget estimates today ranging from Fine Gael saying the "flawed public service estimates indicate deep divisions at cabinet", to the Minister for Health & Children Micheál Martin welcoming the additional money for health services.

SIPTU also welcomed the increased allocation for health, but said they were ‘gravely disappointed’ that total capital expenditure will be well below last year’s. The Irish Medical Organisation said that the estimates would have ‘little or no impact’ on alleviating the health crisis.

Fine Gael spokesman on finance Mr Jim Mitchell said that the Estimates published today were the most flawed since those of the Haughey Government of 1981.

"The proposed increase of 5 per cent on capital expenditure barely matches inflation. This is particularly disappointing bearing in mind that the National Development Plan, only two years old, is already a full year behind schedule," Mr Mitchell said.

SIPTU President Des Geraghty also mentioned the capital expenditure increase. "The 5 per cent increase on last year’s actual expenditure ignores two facts - first of all that it only matches inflation but secondly that last year’s actual expenditure fell 5 per cent short of what had been originally allocated.

"Consequently the Minister is proposing to spend less this year than last year," said Mr Geraghty.

The Minister for Health Micheál Martin said that he wished to acknowledge the commitment of his Government colleagues to the support of Ireland’s health services "in the difficult economic climate now emerging".

The Irish Medical Organisation which represents, over 5,000 Consultants, GPs, NCHDs and Public Health Doctors said that the proposed increase of £630 million will have little or no impact on alleviating what it calls the current crisis in the health services and repeated a call for the immediate development of a 'crisis plan' to support the long awaited health strategy.

IMO President, Dr Mick Molloy said; "It is difficult to see at this point how the estimated increase will address, in any significant way, the implementation of the agreed manpower plan which recommended an increase of 1,000 consultants; will meet the increased healthcare needs of our ageing population; improve management and administration systems within the health services or meet patients expectations with regard to access and quality of care in dignified settings.

"The proposed increase of 12 per cent will do little more than maintain the current level of service being provided and this is already stretched to breaking point," he said.