Ahern defends health strategy

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern defended the Hanly report on major reform of the health system yesterday, but said it will take time to implement.

He was highly critical of Opposition deputies, and others who criticised the report, accusing them of spending just 30 minutes studying it.

Mr Ahern denied he was facing a revolt from within Fianna Fáil ranks against the plan, which recommends closing down Accident and Emergency units in the smaller hospitals, and increasing the number of medical consultants.