INMO: Health service remains in a critical situation

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation have said Budget 2015 means "no more cuts, but the health service remains in a critical situation".

Doctors also say the Government's claim that it is increasing spending on health in 2015 is "untrue".

The Irish Medical Organisation says the €13.2bn announced in yesterday's budget is actually a cut when you factor in the current €500m overrun in the health system.

The criticism is echoed by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, which is warning that the 2015 Health Budget will not address shortcomings in health provision.

Liam Doran, General Secretary of the INMO, said: "That will mean the waiting lists will continue to lengthen, it certainly will mean overcrowding in Emergency Departements will continue and it certainly will mean there will be no development of Primary Care services.

"While it shhould mean, unlike the last six years, we'll have no more cuts, the health service still remains in a critical situation."