Harney: Leas Cross report must be made public

Minister for Health Mary Harney has said she wants the Health Service Executive (HSE) to publish the findings of its investigation into the Leas Cross nursing home.

Reports this morning say the inquiry conducted by Professor Des O'Neill has concluded that the death rate at the home was "higher than might be expected", but none of the deaths were preventable.

The HSE has said it may never release the findings for legal reasons.

However, Ms Harney said today that she wanted to see the findings published and the HSE should work with Professor O'Neill to facilitate publication of his report.

"It wouldn't be acceptable to me or the Government if this report were to remain unpublished," she said.

Ms Harney also said it was of utmost importance that the recommendations contained in the report be implemented.