Thousands to march on Dáil over health service

SEVERAL thousand protesters calling for improved health services are expected to march on the Dáil today.

The march, organised by Sinn Féin, will depart from Parnell Square in Dublin city centre at 1pm, and proceed to the Dáil via O’Connell and Nassau Streets.

It will then return via Westmoreland Street to the GPO, where Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams will address the crowd.

The march on the Dáil is a symbolic gesture, as the building is closed on weekends and no Government ministers will be available.

But speaking in advance of the rally yesterday, Mr Adams urged people to take part and “send a message” to the Government to “end the crisis” in the health service.

“It’s time that the Government used public finance to improve the public health system and not to help property developers build private hospitals,” he said.

“We are demanding that the Government end their madcap proposals to private health care services. A big turnout will put the Government under pressure to change their inadequate health care policies. It can also ensure health is at the centre of the public debate in the general election.”

Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin will also address the rally.