TDs doubt Reilly’s survival chances after plan to cut €900m from health

Health Minister James Reilly was warned he faces an “impossible situation” after cuts of €900m in his department were discussed by Cabinet yesterday — far greater than the €700m previously anticipated.

After a marathon meeting of ministers to discuss next week’s €3.5bn adjustment, Dr Reilly briefed some Fine Gael TDs who said he did not seem to “grasp the enormous consequences” of imposing such savage cuts. The minister had indicated that some of the €900m will be redirected to other services, such as medical cards for some groups.

The budget is a battle between Dr Reilly and Social Protection Minister Joan Burton whose departments will be the main source of the €2.25bn spending cuts.