Tanaiste aims at world class health service

The new Minister for Health, Tánaiste Mary Harney, has said there is no reason why Ireland can not have a world class health service.

Speaking at the Hospital Consultants Association's annual conference in Kilkenny, the Tánaiste also said that patients and consultants will not be left exposed because of problems over lawsuit cover for doctors

Ms Harney said she wants to work with consultants in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.