Labour TD Marie Sherlock has called on the government to cut healthcare costs for families in Tuesday’s Budget.
The Dublin Central TD also said that healthcare staff must be funded, along with more beds and community services, and that overcrowding must be tackled.
Sherlock also said that the ongoing row dispute in the public sector must be resolved, saying that the government must talk to the unions.
Following the publication of Labour’s Alternative Budget 2027, Sherlock said the government must address the pressures facing patients and frontline workers, with work-to-rule action already under way and further strikes looming.
The Labour health spokesperson said “patients face long waits for care while health service staff work under enormous pressure. The government has run out of ideas. Poor budgeting and gaps in community care leave hospitals struggling and families paying more than they can afford”
“With public sector workers already taking industrial action and strikes looming, The government cannot keep dragging its feet on pay. The staff keeping our health service running are also struggling with rising living costs. Ministers must engage meaningfully with unions and put forward a credible pay offer. Praising frontline workers while failing to address their concerns will not recruit a nurse, retain a midwife or open a hospital bed”
Sherlock explained that Labour would invest €152m in 2,000 additional nurses and midwives next year, and that the party would establish a €100 million national locum service to reduce expensive agency spending and offer staff secure employment with flexible working arrangements.
“Public money must deliver care, and new facilities need staff to open their doors,” she said.
“More hospital beds must be matched by investment in home care and community services. People who are ready to leave hospital should not be left waiting for support at home. Those delays deny patients care in the right setting and leave beds unavailable for others who urgently need them.”
Sherlock said that “no parent should have to worry about money when their child is sick,” adding that Labour would invest €25 million to extend free GP care to children aged 8 to 12.
“We would allocate €19m to reduce the Drug Payment Scheme threshold from €80 to €70 a month and €36m to cut prescription charges to 50 cent per item, capped at €5 a month,” she said.
“The government must stop asking patients and staff to absorb the consequences of its failures. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must deliver a credible pay offer, fund more frontline staff and beds, and provide the home care that helps people leave hospital safely. This Budget must make healthcare more affordable and give staff the resources to deliver it.”