Reilly: I didn’t force HSE chief to resign

Health Minister James Reilly has denied accusations that he forced the resignation of Cathal Magee as chief executive of the HSE as part of his plans to introduce major reform of the healthcare system.

Dr Reilly said Mr Magee had told the Department of Health last Friday of his intention to leave his post with the HSE, which is set to be abolished by 2014 under planned legislation announced yesterday.

Despite recent signs of tensions between the two men over spiralling budget overruns by the HSE, the minister stressed the decision to step down was “Mr Magee’s and Mr Magee’s alone”.