23 July, 2021 00:59
The Greater Belfast Branch of the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI) welcomes the growing and necessary debate on an all-Ireland health service as an intrinsic part of the process of Irish reunification, which we believe would contribute to building trust and overcoming fears and division. Thereby putting the question of a united Ireland in a concrete form rather than just an aspiration. In particular we welcome the article by Seanín Graham – ‘All-island health-care services in spotlight’ (July 8).
The Covid pandemic has clearly demonstrated the critical role of, and the necessity for, a fully-funded and protected public health service. The health pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the existence of two healthcare systems and strategies in Ireland to continue is irrational, impractical and dangerous to public health.