‘Only in Ireland would I be blamed for X-ray error’

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has dismissed calls for her resignation over the Tallaght Hospital X-ray scandal, saying it was unique to Ireland for politicians to be blamed for medical errors.

Ms Harney said she was very concerned when details emerged about the Dublin-based acute hospital when she was in New Zealand.

“Of course I was very concerned. It was unacceptable what happened,” she said during an RTÉ radio interview yesterday.

She said questions had to be answered and that everything was being done to clear up the issue.

Dismissing calls for her resignation, Ms Harney said her responsibility was to make policy and oversee its implementation.

“I am not a clinician. I don’t have any responsibility, clearly, to read X-rays,” she said.

“In many other countries where medical errors occur, there is no question of people asking politicians to resign. It’s quite unique to Ireland actually,” she said.

As Health Minister she had a duty to ensure appropriate standards were in place and said huge improvements had been made in the public health system in the last five years.

Asked if she was surprised to be appointed for a fourth time as Health Minister, Ms Harney said she felt very privileged.

“I am delighted to have the confidence of the Taoiseach and my colleagues in the Government,” she said.

The minister has also confirmed the long-awaited national cardiovascular strategy, promised almost two years ago, was due before Cabinet next week.

Ms Harney made the announcement at 13th annual stroke conference hosted by the Irish Heart Foundation in Dublin.