Reilly in clashes with HSE and VHI over plans

HEALTH Minister James Reilly has clashed with the Health Service Executive, the VHI and his own department as he moves to restore ministerial control of the health service.

Following the resignation of VHI chief Jimmy Tolan yesterday, Dr Reilly admitted it was linked to his plans to break up the state’s largest private health insurer: “He might have had issues with some of the options under consideration.”

Dr Reilly said Goodbody consultants were appointed to review the VHI “in terms of how it will fit in with our [universal] health insurance plans”.