Putting wealth before health

Madam, - It's apparent that the wealth of the nation seems to be more important than the health of the nation when one considers…

Madam, - It's apparent that the wealth of the nation seems to be more important than the health of the nation when one considers recent Government policy

Wealthy banking interests are receiving colossal bailouts in an injection drawn from our hitherto "untouchable" State pension funds. Meanwhile the health service is poised to go under the knife, with massive cuts planned, leading to weekend ward and acute bed closures as well as reductions in nurses' and doctors' overtime.

What is the Government thinking? Surely the health of our people is central to any national recovery programme?

Perhaps Minister for Health Mary Harney should politely request people not to get sick or not have an accident at weekends, for example. Go shopping on your credit card instead. This could help alleviate her "budgetary pains". Maybe she and Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan should be seeking medical attention for short-sightedness - if they can get an appointment!

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It really is astonishing that money is being found for commercial banking groups while the taxpayer suffers a serious slashing in healthcare provision. - Yours, etc,

ERIK EBLANA,

Ranelagh Road,

Dublin 6.