HSE response to cancer crisis ‘disgusting’

Health Minister Simon Harris has described the HSE’s response to the cervical cancer tests scandal as “disgusting” amid growing calls for HSE director general Tony O’Brien to be sacked within days.

Mr Harris said the drip-feed nature of the response is “quite frankly disgraceful, disgusting and unacceptable” and warned the HSE “is the reason why there is going to be a statutory investigation” as relations continue to sour.

Speaking as Sinn Féin tabled a no-confidence motion in Mr O’Brien for next Tuesday and as Fianna Fáil said the HSE chief must resign immediately, Mr Harris said the response to date has been unacceptable.