Martin ‘has no fears’ of report into illegal charges

FORMER Health Minister Micheál Martin insisted yesterday he was “not fearful” of the Travers Report into the controversial nursing home overcharging delivered to Tánaiste Mary Harney last night.

Ms Harney will not publish the contents of the 150-page report by former Forfás head John Travers until next Tuesday after she brings it to Cabinet.

But Mr Martin will not get a copy of the report until Tuesday only the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Finance Minister Brian Cowen and Attorney General Rory Brady got copies of the report last night because they are all members of the Cabinet sub-committee examining this matter.

The report is expected to be critical of senior civil servants, Mr Martin, and several other former Health Ministers for failing to tackle the overcharging fiasco that stretches back more than three decades and could cost the Exchequer up to €3 billion. Key questions will focus on Mr Martin and his two Junior Health Ministers Ivor Callely and Tim O'Malley, who attended a crucial meeting in September 2003 at which the illegality of the charges was discussed.

While Mr Martin told reporters in Cork yesterday that he did not want to comment in advance of the publication of the report, he insisted he was "not fearful" of its contents and would face down any criticism next week.

Mr Martin also launched a scathing attack on the opposition for trying to score political points by attempting to pronounce verdicts and condemn in advance of the report's publication.

Meanwhile, Labour health spokeswoman Liz McManus said those responsible for the overcharging must be held to account.

Mr Callely and Mr O'Malley said they could not comment on the report until they see its contents.