Post by Papa C. on Nov 28, 2008 16:26:03 GMT
Friday November 28 2008
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen last night pledged full support to embattled Health Minister Mary Harney amid calls for her resignation over a bill of $440 for beauty treatments at the taxpayers' expense.
With Opposition parties last night urging Mr Cowen to ask for the health minister's resignation, the Taoiseach insisted he accepted her explanations regarding a FAS trip to Florida in 2004. Asked by the Irish Independent if he had full confidence in Health Minister Mary Harney, the Taoiseach simply replied:"Yes".
Asked if he would review her position when the Progressive Democrats wind up as a party next year, Mr Cowen again provided a short direct response: "I've indicated some time ago what my position was in relation to Minister Harney. That holds," he said.
The Taoiseach was speaking following a meeting with the Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen in Finland last night during which they discussed the Lisbon Treaty, climate change, the financial crisis and energy initiatives.
Explanation
On a day of renewed calls from the Opposition for Ms Harney's resignation, Mr Cowen said he simply he did not accept their argument. "I've accepted her explanation. I don't think I have to answer it 10 or 20 times. I've accepted her explanation," he said.
Any suggestion that it is "embarrassing" to have a senior minister at the centre of a controversy regarding taxpayers' money was also rejected forcibly. "Given the problems the country has, it should be put in that perspective," he said.
"Rody Molloy has resigned. He has made a decision and resigned his position ... Mary Harney has explained her particular situation with regard to issues that arose as well and I think that's where it lies."
Attempting to draw a line in the sand on the FAS controversy, the Taoiseach said it was now time for the organisation to "get on with its work" and that present structures in the organisation should be allowed to continue to operate while the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) continues.
"The Public Accounts Committee needs to get on with its work and when we see the findings, people can take what lessons there are to be learnt and take it from there," he said.
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen last night pledged full support to embattled Health Minister Mary Harney amid calls for her resignation over a bill of $440 for beauty treatments at the taxpayers' expense.
With Opposition parties last night urging Mr Cowen to ask for the health minister's resignation, the Taoiseach insisted he accepted her explanations regarding a FAS trip to Florida in 2004. Asked by the Irish Independent if he had full confidence in Health Minister Mary Harney, the Taoiseach simply replied:"Yes".
Asked if he would review her position when the Progressive Democrats wind up as a party next year, Mr Cowen again provided a short direct response: "I've indicated some time ago what my position was in relation to Minister Harney. That holds," he said.
The Taoiseach was speaking following a meeting with the Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen in Finland last night during which they discussed the Lisbon Treaty, climate change, the financial crisis and energy initiatives.
Explanation
On a day of renewed calls from the Opposition for Ms Harney's resignation, Mr Cowen said he simply he did not accept their argument. "I've accepted her explanation. I don't think I have to answer it 10 or 20 times. I've accepted her explanation," he said.
Any suggestion that it is "embarrassing" to have a senior minister at the centre of a controversy regarding taxpayers' money was also rejected forcibly. "Given the problems the country has, it should be put in that perspective," he said.
"Rody Molloy has resigned. He has made a decision and resigned his position ... Mary Harney has explained her particular situation with regard to issues that arose as well and I think that's where it lies."
Attempting to draw a line in the sand on the FAS controversy, the Taoiseach said it was now time for the organisation to "get on with its work" and that present structures in the organisation should be allowed to continue to operate while the work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) continues.
"The Public Accounts Committee needs to get on with its work and when we see the findings, people can take what lessons there are to be learnt and take it from there," he said.
