Share

John Halligan threatens to resign from Government over Waterford hospital controversy

The minister is also offering a second clinical review of services in early 2017.

Advertisement

And he claimed he was told by Fine Gael ministers that it would be delivered by the government.

“During the negotiations Michael Noonan – and all of my negotiating team were there at the time with the Indpendent Alliance said: “look John this review is only a formality, Fine Gael can not be seen to be doing political favours for anybody”.

But sources close to the TD said the conclusion “does not look” promising despite the Government’s pledge to improve equipment and resources, increase staff and upgrade services at Waterford Hospital.

The inquiry, previously described as a formality, concentrated on the current capacity of the cauterisation laboratory at University Hospital, Waterford, rather than recommending the addition of another facility – something Halligan had previously referred to as “a formality”.

Minister for Health Simon Harris met Mr Halligan on Wednesday night and outlined how the independent clinical report could improve services at UHW.

But the Irish Examiner has spoken to sources within the Independent Alliance who are shying away from supporting alliance colleague Mr Halligan.

“The terms of reference are completely wrong”.

Last night Mr Halligan said he had to be optimistic that they may come up with a solution, but added that the situation was hard.

Asked directly if he would resign, he said, “I’ll have to if they don’t deliver something that the people of Waterford want”.

“They are now breaking that commitment”.

Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance are to hold an emergency meeting later today to discuss the situation.

Advertisement

Health Minister Simon Harris has said it is up to the health professionals to make decisions about services, not politicians.

John Halligan said that a new cardiac unit was promised to his constituentsROLLINGNEWS