Cutbacks that may lead to the loss of a number of key positions in the South Western Health Board have been branded a 'sick joke' by Fine Gael.
The health board announced today that eight beds within its respite care operation are set to be axed, as part of cost cutting measures.
"Families expecting respite care have been left high and dry, while eight respite beds in the Cherry Orchard Hospital have been cut - this is a sick joke" Fine Gael health spokesman Mr Michael Ring stated.
"Last night junior minister Ivor Callelly did his best to reassure all that all is well within the health services. But as he made this statement on national radio, the South Western Area Health Board was in the process of cutting key staff positions," he added.
"Two very serious issues arise from this cutback: the impact it will haveon the families, and the fact that Ivor Callelly doesn't seem to know what's happening inside his own Department."