IMPACT has published an information bulletin, which describes new health service changes including hospital clusters, trust structures, and how HSE corporate functions are being transferred to new divisions within a new HSE directorate.

The document also explains health minister James Reilly’s plans to make “money follow the patient,” and highlights the unions’ continuing doubts over whether the reforms will work. The union says experience of the roll-out of new structures has so far been mixed. And it warns that outsourcing will continue to be a threat as the plans are implemented.

Further spending cuts in health, education and social welfare could be avoided if the Government introduces “small increases” in effective tax rates for higher income households in the forthcoming budget. That’s according to the trade union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI), which has set out an alternative to austerity that can still meet deficit targets by the 2015 troika deadline.

The first of three dramatic banners recalling the 1913 Dublin Lockout was draped on the south-facing side of Liberty Hall last Saturday (14th September) as part of a special installation, The Story of the Lockout. The banner features Jim Larkin and the events of the first Bloody Sunday on August 31st 1913. The three-sided wrap will be installed around Liberty Hall to provide a unique focal point for the commemorative year by depicting the story of the Lockout. The Lockout ‘graphic novel’  will build on and complement the programme for the commemoration as well as drawing attention and making links to the programme of 1913 commemoration events.

IMPACT organiser Linda Kelly ran the Cork Evening Echo Womens' mini marathon last Sunday (15th), raising just over €2,100 for the Carers' Association. Linda was supported by IMPACT members and staff, as well as the SNA South Dublin South Leinster branch.