Cutbacks ‘will cost more than they’ll save’

Key parts of Health Minister Dr James Reilly’s controversial cutbacks have been lambasted by support groups for potentially costing more money than it will save.

Home and Community Care Ireland, ALONE and SIPTU, made the claim after Thursday’s shock news of a massive €130m worth of further cuts set to be imposed on the already struggling health service.

A central element of this latest money saving move is the decision to reduce home help hours by 5.5%, or 600,000 hours, cutting €10.8m from the country’s bill.