by Alan Jacques
LABOUR Party councillor Frankie Daly has called on local Fianna Fáil councillors to publicly state whether they support free GP care or oppose it, in line with their party’s national position.
Cllr Daly maintains that the agreement reached between the Government and the Irish Medical Organisation recently to provide free GP care to children under 6 and over 70s will make a massive difference to the youngest and oldest in our community.
“It is the most significant development in primary care since the introduction of medical cards, and will deliver significant savings for families in Limerick City and Council,” the City North representative declared.
“In a bizarre move, Fianna Fáil have decided to oppose the provision of the free service, with one of their TDs even describing the measure as ‘reprehensible, immoral and nauseating’,” he continued.
In light of this, Cllr Daly is calling on local Fianna Fáil councillors to state publicly if they agree with their party’s national position on the new scheme, which he insists will benefit thousands of children in Limerick.
“It is clear that Fianna Fáil are out of touch and don’t have any appreciation whatsoever for the severe pressure that families are under. It is high time that Fianna Fáil laid off targeting hard-pressed families and older people, and supported this progressive move,” he said.
The Fianna Fáil Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Kevin Sheahan, said he had no comment to make when asked whether he agreed with his party’s national position on the free GP scheme.
Fianna Fáil councillor for City West, Sean Lynch praised Cllr Daly for his integrity and the passion he brings on all topics relevant to Limerick City and County. However, he believes the Labour representative may have misinterpreted Fianna Fáil policy on health care.
“Fianna Fáil have always been the party of the people. They would expand on the free GP care for both the young and old,” Cllr Lynch commented.
“They will focus on primary and community care services and increase primary care budget.”
