Let’s have a health referendum

I WAS intrigued to observe all political parties grind into action for the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

In the Oxford Dictionary I am informed that a referendum is “the process of referring a political question to the electorate for a direct decision by general vote”.

Like many others, I am unsure how the issues addressed in the Lisbon Treaty will impinge on each and every citizen of this State.

However, what I am sure of is that decisions are being taken by our Government and the HSE which will have serious implications for the provision of health care for our population now and into the future.

I feel it is imperative that the people of Ireland are briefed, truthfully, on the present state of our health service, what the deficiencies in structure and function are, and what needs to be done to address our difficulties. There will be implications for taxation and for how we spend those taxes.

There will also be issues of personal responsibility for each citizen in health maintenance, lifestyle and behaviour to reduce the burden of ill health. We will have to decide how we wish our most vulnerable to be treated.

I would contend that all these issues can and should be addressed in the form of a referendum on health with cross-party agreement in its design and dissemination.

Only then can a truly informed public speak out, direct our elected representatives and mandate them to act appropriately.

Dr Bertie Daly

High Street Medical Centre

High Street

Newmarket

Co Cork