Harney dismisses vote of no confidence by nurses

Health Minister Mary Harney has dismissed a vote of no confidence in her handling of the health services by the Irish Nurses Organisation.

The vote was taken the INO's annual conference in Co Cavan today, where delegates accused Ms Harney of failing to tackle the A&E crisis, failing to properly manage the public health service and adopting a negative and antagonistic attitude towards nurses.

In a statement issued afterwards, Ms Harney described the vote as "a pity" and said it would not change her determination "to achieve the world-class health service that Ireland deserves".

She also said she had confidence in nurses and was committed to supporting their profession.

However, Ms Harney failed to address the accusations made against her and instead reiterated her rejection of the INO's pursuit of a 10% pay claim for nurses.