€666m health cuts ‘don’t have to be’

Health Minister James Reilly faces calls to reverse planned cuts of €666m to his department and services next year, amid claims that the Coalition is ramming through flawed spending estimates.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also faced personal criticism last night that he was neglecting the North, despite a growing sense of crisis there and an increase in sectarian disputes.

The critical comments were made by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin in a speech made as he attended the annual Wolfe Tone commemoration.