Harney: Union deal positive for hospital services

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney said the agreement reached between public sector management and unions would have an extremely positive impact on hospital services.

While not wanting to put anyone under pressure, she believed the agreement would be a great help in meeting the Health Service Executive’s national service plan within available resources.

Ms Harney told a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children the agreement allowed greater flexibility, longer working days and redeployment of HSE staff.