Taoiseach urged to watch Moore's 'Sicko'

A film criticising the US health service by controversial documentary maker Michael Moore was today recommended to the Taoiseach.

Sinn Féin’s Dáil leader Caoimghin O Caolain claimed some of the private healthcare firms featured in the film were being invited to set up business in Ireland.

The Cavan/Monaghan TD made his comments during Dáil questions to the Taoiseach, who did not reply to Mr O Caolain.

Mr O Caolain said: “We have seen a lot of publicity about it and I wonder if you have taken the time to see Michael Moore’s new film 'Sicko'. It throws some light on the health system in the US and I would have to say that I recommend it to you.

“It exposes some of the practices and the participants in the delivery of the so-called health service in the US. Some of these companies who are being invited in here for the private for-profit health provision.

“I would recommend it to you. If you have already seen it, well and good.”

The issue arose during questions about Cabinet sub-committees. Mr Ahern said he chaired the sub-committee on health which met once a month.

The 'Sicko' film claims the US is the only industrialised nation that does not provide universal health care to its citizens and highlights cases in which insured individuals were denied care.

It also condemns for-profit health care for maximising profit at the expense of patient care.