Health service - Harney cure may be hard to swallow

NEWLY-APPOINTED Health Minister Mary Harney stated the obvious when she said Ireland does not have the health service it should, and could, have for the money it is spending on the sector.

With an allocation of €10 billion annually, it is perverse that in a small population the taxpayer is not getting value for money, and, more importantly, those who need the health service are not receiving it.

The Tánaiste brings a fresh approach to Health, which of itself is no bad thing, and choosing this portfolio signals her intention to improve delivery of service.