Sinn Féin is calling for the private healthcare system to be replaced under a new all-island healthcare plan.
The party's spokesperson on Health and Children in the Dáil, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, criticised the current health system, describing it as "unequal, unfair and inefficient"
"With its privatisation strategy, the Government is reinforcing the grossly unequal, unfair and inefficient two-tier, public-private health system in this State," said Mr Ó'Caoláin at a press conference in Dublin.
"We reject that system where people with wealth are guaranteed access to the best private services while others must suffer on trolleys and on waiting lists."
As part of its healthcare document, the party is seeking to establish a seamless all-island, universal healthcare system. It is also calling for an end to tax breaks for private hospitals and subsidies to private healthcare, arguing that the money could be better spent elsewhere.
"We believe that health spending should go into public services not private health care," said Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou. "We believe that tax breaks to developers of private hospitals should end."
Ms McDonald described healthcare as a right, and said that the party was seeking to gather support throughout the country, starting with a day of action on May 13th.
