PDs issue defence of Harney after Labour attack

The Progressive Democrats have issued a statement dismissing claims by the Labour Party that Tánaiste Mary Harney has failed as health minister.

In the Dáil yesterday, Labour's health spokeswoman Liz McManus launched a fierce attack on Ms Harney's record at the Department of Health.

Ms McManus claimed Ms Harney "promised to deal with the accident and emergency crisis. It is now worse than ever. She promised 30,000 full medical cards, but not one of those cards has been issued. She promised 200,000 GP-only cards, which were to be provided last April. Not one of those cards has been issued."

The Progressive Democrats today said the introduction of the medical cards was delayed by the Irish Medical Organisation, not the Tánaiste.

"Agreement has now been reached and the new cards will issue," the statement said.

It also said Ms Harney's abolition of the health boards and setting up the Health Service Executive was the "largest structural reform" ever in the sector. It accused Labour of trying to block this reform.

Ms Harney's A&E plan is being implemented "and will show results", the PDs said.

The statement also noted Labour opposes the Progressive Democrats' plan to create 1,000 new public beds by moving existing private beds into new, privately managed hospitals.

"The Tánaiste's plan is not privatisation, it is freeing up new public beds," it said, "Labour don't get it. They have shown no ideas on how these new beds could be provided more cheaply."