Martin ‘not responsible’ for nursing home crisis

FORMER Health Minister Micheál Martin has steadfastly refused to take any responsibility for the illegal nursing home charges debacle that could end up costing the State €2 billion.

He accepted the finding in the Travers Report on the matter that there was “long-term systemic corporate failure within the Department of Health” to address the charges problem since 1976, but said this was not a failing of his.

“I can’t be responsible for what went on since 1976... As far as I’m concerned, I’m getting off no hook,” he told the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children yesterday.