Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Galway today to demonstrate against planned multi-million-euro health cuts in the west.
The march through the city came the day after independent TD Noel Grealish withdrew his support for the under-pressure coalition Government, citing opposition to the proposed cuts to services in the region.
The demonstration, organised by the Galway Says No To Health Cuts campaign group, started at Galway Cathedral and proceeded to the city's University Hospital.
But HSE West insisted cost containment measures were needed to deal with a projected €49.5 million overspend in its €2.1 billion annual budget.
John Hennessy, regional director of operations at HSE West, said: "Like every public service organisation, we have to live within our allocated budget.
"The simple fact is that there is no more money available and every healthcare facility in the country must deliver its agreed level of services within the available budget.
"Significant savings have already been achieved this year in non-frontline areas and the cost containment plans must continue to ensure that high quality patient services can continue to be delivered over the full course of this year."
In a separate statement today, the HSE denied it plans to close any hospital in the west as part the planned health budget cuts.
It also dismissed claims that the region had been “traditionally underfunded” when compared to other HSE regions.
Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish yesterday threatened to withdraw his support for the Coalition unless health cuts in his constituency were reversed.
Mr Grealish said he was not trying to bring down the Government but was standing up for what he felt was right and had written to Taoiseach Brian Cowen and to Ms Harney to inform them of his decision.
The former Progressive Democrats TD said he had come to his decision following a briefing by the HSE on budget cuts. He said planned cuts of €19.5 million for hospitals in Galway would have a huge impact on patient care.
Minister for Health Mary Harney yesterday ruled out any deal with Mr Grealish over health cuts to retain his support for the Government in the Dáil.