Harney the ‘wrecking ball’ of health service

SINN FÉIN TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin launched a stinging attack on Health Minister Mary Harney, describing her as the “wrecking ball” of the health service.

Mr Ó Caoláin, the Sinn Féin health spokesman and leader in the Dáil, said Ms Harney was implementing a series of so-called “savings” across the service that were in reality cutbacks.

“These cuts are a throwback to the dark days of the 1980s and have seen the tightening of the recruitment ban, reduction in services in many hospitals and removal of entire services from others,” he said.