John Halligan: Lab briefing note reveals serious interference in University Hospital Waterford review

Junior Minister John Halligan has railed against “serious departmental interference” in the review which ruled out a second cardiac laboratory for University Hospital Waterford and has demanded a meeting with Health Minister Simon Harris as the issue again threatened the stability of the Government.

The Minister of State for Training and Skills launched his broadside after it emerged that a briefing note for the independent clinical review of the case for a second cardiac laboratory at UHW said it was “not a top investment priority”.

The review, conducted by Belfast-based consultant cardiologist Dr Niall Herity, ruled out the need for the second lab — a decision which almost led to Mr Halligan leaving government last month.