Taoiseach urged to intervene in health cuts row

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been asked to intervene to save 26 voluntary organisations in the health and disability sector after it emerged their funding was halted by former Environment Minister Phil Hogan without consulting his colleague with responsibility in the area.

The junior health minister with responsibility for disability and mental health, Kathleen Lynch, said she will raise the matter with the new environment minister, Alan Kelly, but that she could not promise anything.

“I was not involved in the decision on funding,” she said when asked by Independent TD Catherine Murphy if she was consulted on the cuts which will result in the Irish Deaf Society having to shut its doors.