SINN FÉIN HAS hit out at reported plans by the government to introduce a system of means-testing patients in receipt of mental health or disability care from the HSE or voluntary organisations.

The Sunday Business Post reports that Mental Health, Equality and Disability Minister Kathleen Lynch is considering plans that would see patients above a certain income threshold contributing to the cost of their care.

Lynch tells the paper that the plans would be part of a ‘money-follows-the-patient’ system but Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said such an idea is not acceptable and would be “another attack on older people and people with disabilities”.

“Charging vulnerable people for vital community-based services that, in many cases, are allowing them to remain in their homes and out of residential care, is not acceptable,” he said .

“It would be punitive and counter-productive and should not proceed.”

Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, Communications Minsiter said that he had not seen any paperwork that alluded to the story by Susan Mitchell in today’s Sunday Business Post.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More