Cuv says the islands need a specific health policy

Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Éamon Ó Cuív, has hit out at Health Minister Leo Varadkar for a lack of 'specific healthcare provision' for the islands.

The issue has resonance for the Mayo offshore island of Inishturk, which has been without a full-time nurse for some time.

In reply to a parliamentary question, Minister Varadkar confirmed that no specific policies for the management of GP and nursing services for the islands exists, despite issues with access.

Deputy Ó Cuív said the lack of a a specific plan for health provision on our islands is 'completely unacceptable'.

He added: “Over the past few months, full-time nursing care has been removed from Inishturk and Inisheer (Galway) but no replacement scheme has been put in place. This has left serious gaps in the system and could be putting lives at risk.

“Despite this, the government has revealed that it has no policy for island health services and is leaving the issue in the hands of the HSE.

“This government has consistently failed to protect any of the services on our islands. There is no cabinet minister with responsibility for the islands and, as a result, core funding for resources has been cut.

“When questioned about health service provision for the islands, Minister Varadkar confirmed that the islands did not form a specific and separate part of the HSE’s 2015 National Service Plan. This is completely unacceptable and is a reflection of the government’s and the HSE’s complete disregard for people living on the islands.”

Deputy Ó Cuív said that instead of respecting and promoting island life, the current government has set about dismantling services across rural Ireland and the islands.

He concluded: “I will continue to work with island communities and Comhdhail Oileáin na hÉireann to get a commitment from the HSE and the minister that these essential health services will be restored.”