FG Health Minister challenged on dramatic resignation of hospital chief in conflict of interest row

HEALTH MINISTER James Reilly has been challenged by Gerry Adams to make a statement to the Dáil after the dramatic resignation last night of the Chair of the West/North-West Hospital Group, Noel Daly, whose appointment has been challenged by Sinn Féin on the grounds of possible conflict of interest.

Mr Daly, Gerry Adams said, is “a well-known promoter of health privatisation”.

The Sinn Féin leader said:

“Mr Daly had no option other than resignation considering what has emerged about his conflict of interests which breached HSE financial regulations.

“I twice raised this issue in Dáil this week, most recently yesterday with An Taoiseach. It was also raised last week in the Seanad by Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. So the Government was aware of this for some time.

“This man should never have been appointed to this position.

“I want to know if the Government will immediately publish the findings of the review by the HSE into how D&F Health Partnership was awarded a contract to examine maternity services in the Hospital Group’s remit.

“Mr Daly is a well-known promoter of health privatisation and was appointed as Chair of this Hospital Group by James Reilly.

“Minister Reilly needs to come into the Dáil today and explain how such an appointment was made considering the glaring conflict of interests involved.

“He also needs to clarify the status of the report on maternity services carried out by D&F Health Partnership.”

In his resignation announcement, Noel Daly said:

“I have chosen to resign as Chair of the West/North West Hospitals Group as I do not want my personal and professional reputation or the reputation of the group to be compromised in any way.”