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Kerry TD “horrified” that Cross Border Directive to end in December

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By Michelle Crean

 

The Cross Border Directive, which entitles Irish patients waiting for surgery in the Republic to obtain treatment in Northern Ireland, is to end next month. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae says that he has today (Tuesday) been contacted by the CEO of Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast to say that “the HSE are advising patients that they will not be able to use the Cross Border directive in N. Ireland as of January 1 next”.

Any patients who have already started their journey will be able to continue but no new patients will be accepted after January 1, 2021.

“That’s the official line as of today,” the Kerry TD said.

“I am disgusted and horrified that the Taoiseach is playing politics with this important scheme which many people have availed of over the years. Those people who travelled to Belfast for cataracts, tonsil removal, hip and knee replacements would otherwise have waited years to have the procedure done on the public system here. I was glad that I was able to arrange the trips to Belfast for cataract procedures for the many people who were able to save their sight and have the costs refunded under the Cross Border Directive.  It will now be back to the old story again as they won’t be able to go to the North anymore.”

He explained that there are are still some places left on buses to Belfast during December for anyone interested in getting their cataract procedure done.

“I urge anyone waiting to be called for the procedure to contact me for a place on one of the last buses.”

Phone: 064 6685315, 087 997 5419 or 087 2316055.

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Contactless payments launched on Local Link services

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Passengers using TFI Local Link Kerry services in Killarney and across the county can now pay for their journeys using contactless card payments.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed the rollout this week, allowing commuters to simply tap their debit card, credit card, or mobile devices, such as Apple Pay and Google Pa, when boarding.

The move is designed to offer more convenience for those using high-frequency rural and regional routes.

In Killarney, the new payment option will be available on the TFI Anseo town services, which have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers since their introduction.

The contactless system is currently available for single journey fares, while those using daily or weekly passes can continue to use the Leap website or the TFI Leap Top Up App.
Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, welcomed the modernisation of the fleet.

“The introduction of contactless payments is another welcome step forward for public transport in Kerry,” he said. “It complements other major projects in the county, including the expansion of TFI Local Link services and the delivery of TFI Anseo in Killarney, which is proving to be another great initiative.”

While the new technology offers a modern alternative, traditional payment methods are not being phased out. Cash payments, TFI Leap cards, and Free Travel Cards all remains fully valid across the network.

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How will our Kerry TDs vote tomorrow?

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Tomorrow, Sinn Féin will be tabling a motion of no confidence against the Government after the protests that took place nationwide during the week.

Earlier today we asked our readers how would they vote in a no confidence motion against the Government?

Most of our readers said they would vote no confidence, while some said, yes they do have confidence in the Government.

One reader said: “Vote confidence. The only proper leadership over the last few days came from government. Courage came when needed despite how unpopular it looked in the moment. By contrast, opposition politicians wanted the country to burn to suit themselves”.

Another reader stated: “No confidence. Shambolic and heavy handed handling of protests this past week”.

However, some people didn’t have any confidence in either side with a reader saying: “No confidence in the no confidence! Different wings of the same bird! We need a complete overhaul of the political system”.

We asked the question to our 5 Kerry TDs before lunch-time today, asking them what their vote will be tomorrow.

We received one reply from Sinn Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly.

He will be voting no confidence in the Government tomorrow along with his party.

Other media outlets are reporting that Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is undecided at the moment.

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