Taoiseach denies claims of political deals over Beaumont Hospital investment

Micheál Martin insists no agreements were made with Independent TD Barry Heneghan despite local investment announcement

Independent TD Barry Heneghan at Leinster House, where the Dail hears nomination of the Taoiseach and of other members of the Government. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The Taoiseach has rejected assertions that there are specific agreements with Independent TDs for their support, after Barry Heneghan cited investment in Beaumont Hospital as an example of his alleged deal.

The Government has repeatedly denied there are constituency deals for Independent TDs in exchange for their support of the Coalition.

In a press release yesterday, Mr Heneghan welcomed a €240m investment for health infrastructure in his constituency of Dublin Bay North – in both Beaumont Hospital and St Joseph’s Hospital.

He said he would follow the project delivery “closely” while adding that it will “deliver essential infrastructure improvements across emergency, inpatient, and community services”.

The statement also included a quote from Finian McGrath, a former disabilities minister and close ally of Mr Heneghan.

“It is great to see the “HENEGHAN DEAL” coming to fruition, long may it continue,” Mr McGrath said.

However, Mr Martin has denied there is any deal with Mr Heneghan, or other Regional Independent TDs.

“There is no Heneghan deal. To be fair to Finian, he would have form in the odd bout of hyperbole.

“But the bottom line is, are you seriously suggesting investment in A&E in Beaumont hospital constitutes some sort of deal.

“I mean, that is on track. You don’t get announcements like that in a capital programme, unless there’s a lot of preparatory work in advance.”

He reiterated there was no specific deal done with Mr Heneghan, but the first-time TD was simply welcoming the investment.