Harney denies new legislation could open medical loophole

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has rejected claims that controversial practices such as stem-cell research and abortion could be brought in by ministerial directive under new legislation.

During a special Dáil sitting yesterday, opposition parties expressed concern at the level of power granted to the minister Mary Harney under the Medical Practitioners’ Bill.

Fine Gael’s Liam Twomey claimed that practices such as abortion and stem-cell research could be introduced by ministerial directive, adding that absolute power was always open to abuse.