Doherty calls for retention of flight subsidy for cancer patients

There are calls for Letterkenny General Hospital to give assurances that local cancer patients will not lose their subsidised flights to Dublin in order to receive treatment.
Senator Doherty says he was appalled to learn that the withdrawal of the subsidy which allows cancer care patients to fly to Dublin from Donegal Airport for €30 is even being considered.
He says the the removal of this subsidy would cause undue stress for these families at an extremely difficult time and has called on Letterkenny General Hospital to make their intentions on this issue clear immediately.
This service costs an estimated €30,000 a year and provides a service for around 250 patients in Donegal.
Senator Doherty says this is in stark contrast to the cost the taxpayer pays for a single trip to Donegal for a Minister on the government jet.
Meanwhile, Letterkenny General Hospital is one of eight specifically mentioned in the Fine Gael Private Members motion which was moved in the Dail last night.
It calls for the suspension of cuts to frontline services, and argues that reform of the health service could save money by cutting waste and making the HSE more efficient.
Meanwhile, Donegal North East Deputy Joe McHugh has challenged Dr James McDaid to support the motion when it is voted on tonight.