Corrib gas will fund Norwegian healthcare

THE Corrib Gas Field is worth billions and has been given away for nothing to Shell, Statoil and Marathon.

Instead of paying for universal healthcare here, the move will further inflate the coffers of Shell’s shareholders and help pay for Norway’s universal health care system because Statoil is 71% owned by the Norwegian government. Their elderly will not end up being abused in Leas Cross-type institutions.

Health Minister Mary Harney’s discriminatory proposal that a number of our vulnerable elderly should pay for this treatment even after they are dead is dysfunctional and surely unconstitutional. All this with the Taoiseach’s approval.

Which other vulnerable group will be targeted next? Newborn babies to 10-year-olds who need essential medical treatment? Will it be payback time for them once they start earning?

We are all diminished by Ms Harney’s proposal.

Áine Ionnghaile

91A Binn Éadair View

Sutton

Dublin 13