Labour party wants Government to purchase to private hospitals

Labour leader Alan Kelly said more elective hospitals are required to deal with demand and waiting lists. Picture: Brian Lawless

The Labour party has called on the Government to purchase two private hospitals at a cost of up to €500m as part of its alternative budget.

The party also wants to see the current flat-rate Employee Wage Subsidy Scheme overhauled to a model that would see workers receive 60% of their income and would provide training and upskilling on days that people are not working.