Govt refuses to comment on health board reports

The Department of Health has refused to comment on reports that an audit of the health service has recommended that four executive bodies replace all the existing health boards.

A department spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment on the audit as it is not due to be published until next month.

The Monaghan Hospital Alliance, which is lobbying for the restoration of full services in the hospital, welcomed the reported plan to replace health boards.

However, it said it has some concerns about the accountability of the proposed new bodies.