Menu
06/07/2010
Face-Off On Health Cuts Battle
The Stormont Health Minister has been forced into a U-turn on taking part in an Executive 'away day'.
Michael McGimpsey has said the current decision not to exempt the health budget from further cuts is entirely political and is now set to join the top politicians at their brain-storming session today in an attempt to convince fellow ministers that the health budget should be 'ring-fenced'.
Mr McGimpsey has called for a similar government attitude to health as exists in England and Scotland, where the budget is already ring-fenced.
First Minister Peter Robinson has said that the Executive will rigorously examine its future spending during their day away.
"I think it's political. The DUP before the assembly elections said the health budget should rise 20%.
"Immediately they get elected and I'm the minister arguing there should be no rises," he said.
"We have members, for example also in Sinn Fein, who vote for those cuts and then go and protest the cuts when the cuts come along.
"I think that's gross hypocrisy and I think the people here deserve a wee bit of honesty."
However, in a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Finance and Personnel - which Peter Robisnon was in charge of before becoming First Minister - said the local health budget could not be compared to the rest of the UK as it contains the issue of public safety, the fire service and social services which are not protected or ring-fenced anywhere else.
Yesterday, Michael McGimpsey and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness were at loggerheads after the Deputy First Minister rebuked his colleague for missing the North-South Ministerial Council meeting.
The Health Minister's department said he was not expected to be there – although radiotherapy and child protection were among the items mentioned.
He said on BBC TV last night that most of the detail of the agreement was put together at preparatory meetings which the South Belfast Ulster Unionist did attend.
But Mr McGuinness said he was disappointed: "I want to put on record my disappointment that our Health Minister had not been at this meeting," he said.
"In fact, there have been quite a number of meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council that he has not attended and I think that's a mistake given that we are talking about these issues that are relevant to his department."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Michael McGimpsey has said the current decision not to exempt the health budget from further cuts is entirely political and is now set to join the top politicians at their brain-storming session today in an attempt to convince fellow ministers that the health budget should be 'ring-fenced'.
Mr McGimpsey has called for a similar government attitude to health as exists in England and Scotland, where the budget is already ring-fenced.
First Minister Peter Robinson has said that the Executive will rigorously examine its future spending during their day away.
"I think it's political. The DUP before the assembly elections said the health budget should rise 20%.
"Immediately they get elected and I'm the minister arguing there should be no rises," he said.
"We have members, for example also in Sinn Fein, who vote for those cuts and then go and protest the cuts when the cuts come along.
"I think that's gross hypocrisy and I think the people here deserve a wee bit of honesty."
However, in a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Finance and Personnel - which Peter Robisnon was in charge of before becoming First Minister - said the local health budget could not be compared to the rest of the UK as it contains the issue of public safety, the fire service and social services which are not protected or ring-fenced anywhere else.
Yesterday, Michael McGimpsey and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness were at loggerheads after the Deputy First Minister rebuked his colleague for missing the North-South Ministerial Council meeting.
The Health Minister's department said he was not expected to be there – although radiotherapy and child protection were among the items mentioned.
He said on BBC TV last night that most of the detail of the agreement was put together at preparatory meetings which the South Belfast Ulster Unionist did attend.
But Mr McGuinness said he was disappointed: "I want to put on record my disappointment that our Health Minister had not been at this meeting," he said.
"In fact, there have been quite a number of meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council that he has not attended and I think that's a mistake given that we are talking about these issues that are relevant to his department."
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2010
'Ring Fence Health Care' Call Attacked
There's a spat in progress in political circles as the DUP Chief Whip Peter Weir tackled the Health Minister's call to 'ring fence' his Health Service budget from expected cutbacks. Mr Weir called on the Minister to outline which Department should instead have their budget reduced to meet his funding demands for his DHSSPS.
'Ring Fence Health Care' Call Attacked
There's a spat in progress in political circles as the DUP Chief Whip Peter Weir tackled the Health Minister's call to 'ring fence' his Health Service budget from expected cutbacks. Mr Weir called on the Minister to outline which Department should instead have their budget reduced to meet his funding demands for his DHSSPS.
19 November 2020
Health Minister Visits New Nightingale Hospital
Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a new Nightingale intermediate Covid care facility at Whiteabbey Hospital.
Health Minister Visits New Nightingale Hospital
Health Minister Robin Swann has visited a new Nightingale intermediate Covid care facility at Whiteabbey Hospital.
14 February 2022
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
New Abuse And Violence Strategy Consultations Extended
The development period of two new Executive strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse have been extended until 21 March. Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
23 September 2009
Shock As Wilson Reveals £370m Cuts
The NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has said that executive spending cuts of £370m are needed next year, writes Carla Liebana. The Minister denied the existence of a "black hole" at the centre of the accounts and explained that these are consequences of the decision that all the parties made on deferring water charges.
Shock As Wilson Reveals £370m Cuts
The NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has said that executive spending cuts of £370m are needed next year, writes Carla Liebana. The Minister denied the existence of a "black hole" at the centre of the accounts and explained that these are consequences of the decision that all the parties made on deferring water charges.
21 July 2022
Health Minister Praises Work Of New Ballymena Youth Facility
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of a newly launched youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.
Health Minister Praises Work Of New Ballymena Youth Facility
Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the work of a newly launched youth facility in Ballymena providing information and support that young people need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
