Gilmore says HSE cuts are 'regrettable'

The Tánaiste says "it is regrettable" that the Health Service Executive has had to announce cuts to services for older people and those with disabilities.

Eamon Gilmore says the government will work to ensure that services for people who need care and assistance continue to be provided.

There has been a furious reaction to the €130m in cuts announced by the HSE yesterday to try and get spending under control.

Nurses have vowed to resist the cuts, saying they jeopardise patient safety.

The HSE said this morning that those with home help and personal assistant hours would have them reviewed on a case by case basis.

Gilmore is promising everything will be done to ensure those most in need of these services will not be hit: “It is regrettable that the HSE has announced cuts in these services. Every department, organisation and service obviously has to work within budget.

“My priority and priority of the government is to ensure services needed by the people who need care, assistance and have disabilities are provided.”

He says he hasn't spoken to James Reilly today about the cuts but he understands the Minister for Health is at his desk and liaising with the HSE.