The Minister of Health Social Service and Public Safety has responded to the statement by the Finance Minister that further consideration will be given in September to funding for the Swine Flu pandemic.

In a statement Mr McGimpsey said:  “I am deeply dismayed that the people of Northern Ireland will have to wait until September before consideration is given towards funding for the Swine Flu pandemic.

“I have been warning for several months that the Health Service will be facing increasing pressure, yet it would appear that some people are in denial that the pandemic even exists. 

“According to the World Health Organisation, the United Kingdom is the most prepared country in the world.  Nonetheless, despite rigorous preparation including signing contracts for vaccines to ensure that every person receives appropriate treatment, the Executive refuses to consider paying for these vital drugs before September at the earliest. 

“As I have stated previously I believe it will require a minimum of £55m to pay for the swine flu pandemic.  By deferring this issue until September, the Executive is asking the health service to pay for these essential services in the interim.  The reality is that the Health Service cannot pay for this crisis on its own.  To expect so could possibly mean raiding wards which I find completely unacceptable. 

Turning to the issue of the budget, Mr McGimpsey said:  “Today’s announcement means that the budget agreement has been broken.  The commitment to fund major emergency situations is clearly spelt out in the budget agreement yet some people are more intent on providing funding for non essential services.  This u-turn will not wash with the general public who rightly demand that those who work on the front line are given full support at a time of a national emergency.

“There will be some who will argue that there is not enough money in the budget but yet it has been confirmed today that over £20m has been given to other matters such as shared services and the Northern Ireland Assembly.  I have to ask, in the midst of a global health crisis just what is the priority for some?  How can it be argued that the Assembly is more deserving than the health of the public?

Mr McGimpsey concluded “There are a number of options open for the Executive to consider in an attempt to solve this problem however extra funding to non essential services is not one”.to 60 new A&E ambulances will be purchased over the next three years as part of a major £17million capital investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).