Expensive consultants the norm, says Harney

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney conceded last night that hiring expensive consultants had become the “norm” for Government departments.

She was speaking ahead of this morning’s decision by the Health Services Executive to suspend its botched €166 million payroll system (PPARS), whose escalating costs have been driven by what the Government yesterday conceded were “excessive” consultancy fees.

Meanwhile, the Impact trade union has said the issuing of 200,000 doctor-only medical cards cannot proceed until agreement is reached with its members on the extra work involved.