The Tánaiste says “it’s regrettable” that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has had to announce cuts to services for older people and those with disabilities.

But Eamon Gilmore says the government will work to ensure that services for people who need care and assistance continue to be provided.

There has been a furious reaction to the €130 million in cuts announced by the HSE yesterday to try and get spending under control.

Nurses have vowed to resist the cuts saying they jeopardise patient safety.

The HSE said this morning that those with home help and personal assistant hours would have them reviewed on a case by case basis.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore says he has not spoken to the Health Minister today about the cuts and that he understands James Reilly is at his desk and liaising with the HSE.

But he is promising everything will be done to ensure those most in need of these services will not be hit.

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