Union condemns health spending plan as a 'con'

THE Health Service Executive's (HSE) €11 billion spending plan, which includes cutting 600 jobs, has been criticised as a "con" by a healthcare workers' union.

HSE officials said the reduction of posts under its service plan for this year represents less than 1% of staff numbers and could be achieved without impacting on front line services.

The plan, which was published yesterday and approved by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, sets out that health spending will remain at the same level as last year apart from a €200 million investment in A&E services, disability services and GP care.