THE Health Service Executive (HSE) has spent at least €200,000 of taxpayers’ money on two unsuccessful attempts to recruit a chief executive.

Health Minister Mary Harney's planned health reforms have suffered another blow with the news that a second person has turned down the job of head of the Health Service Executive.

THE Government-appointed head of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has not yet formally accepted the €300,000-plus job more than one month after the Tánaiste announced his selection.

A day after Finance Minister Brian Cowen announced €11 billion in funding for health - its highest ever - more doubt was cast upon the quality of the service that will come into operation next January.

AFTER several last-minute delays, the Government last night finally published the long-awaited health reform Bill which will see the country’s health boards abolished by the beginning of next year.

THREATENED strike action by top health workers could scupper the most extensive health reform in the history of the State, throwing the health service into chaos.

The Tánaiste has said the decision by Professor Aidan Halligan not to become Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive is a great disappointment.

He was billed as the great white hope. But Catherine Shannon says Professor Aidan Halligan’s decision to turn down the opportunity to reform the health service is an embarrassment for the Government.

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen yesterday indicated that medical cards and disability services will be top of the agenda for increased spending next year.

The omens are not looking too good for the country’s new Health Service Executive, which is designated to take over the operation of the health service from January 1 next.

The Taoiseach has dismissed figures published today which imply that income tax per family has gone up by over €9,000.

Health service reforms are in a shambles after a top medical expert rejected a €400,000-a-year post to help transform the sector, it was claimed today.

THE final shape of the Government’s health system was revealed yesterday as the boundaries of the country’s new regional health areas were unveiled.

THE Government has defended breaking its own strict pay guidelines to head-hunt a health service chief, arguing that the job requirements justify the high salary.