Gestor bibliográfico Crisis y Salud

Ireland was one of the first countries in the “eurozone,” the 17 European Union member states that have adopted the euro as their sole currency, to hit financial problems, leading to public sector cuts that have forced bed closures and a recruitment embargo on frontline posts. After last year’s financial bail out by the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank, the Irish government no longer enjoys financial autonomy. On top of already stringent cuts to public services, at least €3.5bn (£3.1bn; $5bn) must be cut from next year’s budget. The health service budget is expected to be cut by up to €1bn in 2012.