Local Dublin North East Deputy Tommy Broughan has slammed Health Minister Mary Harney for her refusal to answer any questions in relation to Beaumont Hospital.

A number of constituents have contacted Deputy Broughan in relation to neurology services at Beaumont. Deputy Broughan then asked Minister Harney to report on this issue including the number of consultant neurologists in Beaumont Hospital; the average waiting time for neurology services; and the number of persons on the waiting list. Minister Harney refused to answer this question and said that she has referred it to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Deputy Broughan also recently asked Minister Harney to report on the number of unfilled vacancies at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 and which areas of speciality within the hospital have ongoing outstanding vacancies given the continuing ban on public sector recruitment. Yet again Minister Harney reported to Deputy Broughan "that is a service matter...(that) has been referred to the HSE for direct reply."

"Of course the HSE has responsibility for the day to day running of hospitals including Beaumont", said Deputy Broughan. "But it is outrageous that Minister Harney continually refuses to answer any questions that are directly related to the impact of national funding and health policy decisions of the Fianna Fail/Green government. Why do we have a Health Minister if Minister Harney’s continually refuses to take any responsibility for these critical matters?"

It is now strongly rumoured that minister Mary Harney now a so-called "Independent" will leave the government early in 2010. Going on her responses to elected T.D.s in Dail Eireann, the sooner she leaves the better it will be for the people of the Northside and of the whole country."

Deputy Broughan intends to raise this matter again with Taoiseach Cowen as soon as the Dail resumes in the New Year.