Harney plays down abuse compo controversy

The Tánaiste Mary Harney is playing down the latest controversy over the deal between the Government and the religious orders on the compensation for child abuse victims.

This follows her party colleague Michael Mc Dowell's complaints that while Attorney General he had been excluded from the negotiations between the religious and former Education Minister Michael Woods.

Mary Harney has again defended the deal as the best available, and says any disagreement between Mr Mc Dowell and Dr. Woods is a matter for themselves.