Critics of free smear test re-checks pledge are playing politics: Harris

Health Minister Simon Harris says critics of his decision to offer free smear test re-checks to women last year are "playing politics" with the crisis and making "crass" claims amid growing opposition pressure over the move.

At the launch of the Government's latest Healthy Ireland plan, Mr Harris continued to insist he was right to announce the free re-checks at the height of the crisis last year, saying there was nationwide panic over the scandal. Mr Harris was forced to defend his decision amid fresh claims that he and his officials were warned that offering free smear tests without the right financial and staffing levels would jeopardise the service.