SIPTU describes health service as 'sick joke'

SIPTU has described the Irish health service as a bizarre, sick joke.

Speaking at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' annual conference, SIPTU vice-president Jack O'Connor said the two-tier health system, whereby the wealthy receive treatment before the less well off, defies rational analysis.

He said the most disadvantaged sectors of Irish society suffer most because of inadequacies in the health service.

Mr O'Connor also called for a national demonstration later this year to call for an improved service.