De Brun attacked for cross border failure

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Bairbre de Brun was accused tonight of failing to engage with the Government in creating cross border health services.

The charge was levelled in a Private Notice Question by Joe Byrne (SDLP, West Tyrone).

‘‘Would the minister confirm that her department has been reluctant and slow in developing meaningful cross border co-operation and development of hospital-based health services?’’ he said.

But Ms de Brun (Sinn Fein, West Belfast) rejected his accusation.

‘‘The department and myself have worked tirelessly to ensure that all avenues are open through the North South Ministerial Council to ensure co-operation with those in the south,’’ she added.

Mr Byrne also called on Ms de Brun to explain her decision to site a new acute hospital in Enniskillen rather than Omagh.

‘‘Would the minister agree with me that if her proposals were implemented, Omagh would be left with nothing more than a cottage hospital tantamount to a glorified health centre?’’ he added.

The minister insisted her proposals would ensure that the people of Tyrone and Fermanagh would have access to acute hospital services.