FF backbencher concerned at 'health reform'

Fianna Fáil's Batt O'Keefe has expressed concern at a report calling for the health boards to be replaced with four regional executive bodies.

The proposal is contained in an audit of the health services due to be published next month.

The new bodies would contain more professional representatives and less local politicians.

Mr O'Keefe, the chairman of the Dáil's health committee, said increasing professional representation is not in the best interests of the patient.

"If you're diluting the role of the politician, surely you don't want to increase the role of the vested interest," he said.