FG calls for independent investigation into x-ray controversy

Fine Gael is calling for an independent investigation into the blunder which saw 58,000 x-rays go unreported at Tallaght hospital.

It has been claimed that the backlog of x-rays at the Dublin hospital could have been cleared within a month if the work had been outsourced.

Meanwhile, as the latest health scandal continues to unfold, Minister for Health Mary Harney is in New Zealand on a St Patrick's Day trip.

Fine Gael's Health Spokesperson Dr James Reilly said she is sending all the wrong messages by not being here to deal with the crisis.