McGrath threatens to resign over services

INDEPENDENT TD Finian McGrath yesterday threatened to resign in 12 to 18 months unless cancer services are comprehensively reformed.

The Dublin North Central TD, who struck a deal with Fianna Fáil in exchange for government support, said he was prepared to withdraw co-operation if the necessary services and resources are not put into place.

“The Government are aware of my position that I want to see the services rolled out very very quickly,” he said.

“We need the frontline services for patients with cancer and we need these services delivered... We need to get them up running in February or March.”

While Fianna Fáil backbenchers yesterday rallied to the defence of a besieged Health Minister Mary Harney, her party colleague, Senator Fiona O’Malley, was more critical in her response to the revelations that 97 women are being recalled for a surgical review. She said it was “not good enough” that Ms Harney only learned of patients’ plight while sitting in a committee meeting.

The former Dún Laoghaire TD added that Ms Harney’s plans to “gag” consultants under new contracts should be abandoned.

“What has the HSE or the Department of Health got to fear? Because if we are trying to encourage people who are whistle-blowing on shortcomings in practice, it is in the HSE’s interest to hear about them,” she told Newstalk 106.

Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD, Noel O’Flynn, described the situation as “appalling”. Former minister Dr Jim McDaid, said he had always assumed that the ultrasounds would be examined as part of the review of 3,000 mammograms. He said he was “astounded” the HSE had failed to inform the minister of the process.