Backbench FF deputies put pressure on Martin

FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers are intensifying their pressure on Health Minister Micheál Martin to give local politicians a place on the new health agencies and bodies to be launched tomorrow.

As part of the radical reform of the health service, the country’s 11 health boards will be replaced by a National Hospital Agency to run acute hospitals and Health Service Executive Agency and four regional boards to run other services.

Fianna Fáil backbenchers are strongly opposed to the plan because they believe local politicians are needed to represent the people’s interests.