Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Health Billy Kelleher has described the cutting of funding to the Irish Patients Association as shameful.
Deputy Kelleher said: “I read with disbelief the news that Minister Reilly would axe the funding to the independent voice of the Irish Patients Association.
“The patients association are advocates for patients all over Ireland and represented those whose voices were being ignored. By cutting off funding Minister Reilly is effectively gagging patients and severing their ability to express opinions or preferences in relation to services or professional conduct. They are a very reasonable and respected association who are now in limbo along with the people for whom they are already making representations on behalf of.”
He added: “The fact that Minister Reilly is going ahead with this cut shows a complete lack of judgement on his part and despite his every attempt to silence valid criticism of the health services it fools no one. This cut should be reversed immediately so that patients’ voices can be heard and more importantly listened to.”