Ministers back plan for review of religious patronage

Two Government ministers have backed plans for an imminent review of the religious patronage of more than a dozen hospitals across the country, after Health Minister Simon Harris publicly confirmed he is planning the move.

Arts Minister Heather Humphreys and minister of state for skills John Halligan said the review was needed with the junior minister saying “there should be no influence on hospitals” and “it is not unfair the Government would have control of our health system”.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner earlier this week, senior Department of Health officials are planning a review of the religious ownership and patronage of hospitals similar to the divestment of schools instigated by former education minister Ruairi Quinn.