Demonstration to highlight cutbacks in health service

A major rally is being held in Dublin later today to highlight cutbacks in the health service.

It is being organised by the Public Service Health Campaign which is made up of union representatives, patients groups and hospital action committees.

The campaign has real concerns that Tuesday's Budget will lead to further cuts in the health service.

Chairperson of the Monaghan Community Alliance, Peader McMahon, has said Monaghan General Hospital is already earmarked for cuts in services before the end of the year.

"I think that once people start dying on the roadsides and in the ambulances on the way to hospital then we have to convince the Government that it is time to reassess the whole situation," he said.