PDs deny Harney snubbed city over Dáil cancer debate

THE Progressive Democrats yesterday denied that Tánaiste Mary Harney had snubbed Cork by her absence from a Dáil debate on cancer services.

Senator John Minihan dismissed the allegation by Fine Gael's Bernard Allen that Ms Harney had given "two fingers" to the people of Cork when she wasn't present at the debate on the letter written to her by Cork consultant Dr Seamus O'Reilly.

Mr Minihan said that Junior Health Minister Tim O'Malley had apologised on behalf of Ms Harney, who was attending an engagement to which she had previously committed.

"There was no question of the Tánaiste snubbing Cork. She was genuinely unavailable for the debate because of a prior engagement. As she subsequently told the Dáil, she is more than familiar with the issues in Cork," said Mr Minihan.

In the course of the adjournment debate, Mr O'Malley set out the details of significant investment in cancer services in the southern region.

Mr Minihan said: "He said since the implementation of the national cancer strategy in 1997, approximately €80 million in cumulative additional funding had been made available to the southern region, with an additional 11 consultants and 44 clinical nurse specialists being appointed across the region."

Ms Harney referred to the controversy in the Dáil yesterday. She said she knew Dr O'Reilly, who had contacted her office a number of times on the provision of a private facility for cancer care at Cork University Hospital.

Earlier during the Order of Business, Labour leader Pat Rabbitte threatened to bring a motion of no confidence against Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon after they clashed over standing orders.

Mr Rabbitte had tried to raise the issue of winter fuel allowances but Mr O'Hanlon ruled him out of order.

Mr Rabbitte and four front bench colleagues challenged the Ceann Comhairle's ruling, claiming he allowed no flexibility in the matters raised under the Order of Business (which allows questions to be put to Government, but only on proposed legislation).

"I must tell the Ceann Comhairle if he continues this into the new year, he will be inviting a motion of no confidence," said Mr Rabbitte.

Ms Harney agreed the winter fuel allowance had remained at €9 but its time limits had been extended.

She said Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan would present a package on Budget Day that would be sensitive to the needs of the elderly.

When Mr Allen was ruled out of order for raising the issue of cancer services, he asked the Ceann Comhairle if he was threatening him.

"I would support Deputy Rabbitte if he puts down a motion of no confidence," said Mr Allen.

Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher joined Cork TDs in expressing concern about the situation.

He said the "huge distress" of cancer patients should be acknowledged.

He added there was a need for a defined strategy, for timetables and for proper communication to people of what had to be achieved.