McGrath secured hospital funds by backing Harney

A multi-million euro package for a hospital in his Dublin North Central constituency was the price of Independent TD Finian McGrath's support for the Government in last month's Opposition motion of no confidence in Minister for Health Mary Harney, it has emerged.

Mr McGrath had threatened to vote against the Government, following pressure from a substantial section of his constituency organisation.

However, following the intervention of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, €2.5 million was allocated in additional funding for cystic fibrosis services at Beaumont hospital.

Mr McGrath also discussed the issue with Ms Harney.

Mr McGrath told The Irish Times that he would have voted against the Government if the funding had not been provided.

"I was very serious about it. There was a debate within my organisation in the lead-up to the vote, and it was split evenly on what I should do," he said.

"I made it clear to the Government that I needed the go-ahead given to a major project which has been agreed in my deal drawn up with the Taoiseach.

"I had prioritised funding for cystic fibrosis services."

Mr McGrath said that about 30 per cent of his organisation had remained opposed to him voting with the Government.

Other projects approved so far by the Government include €1,165,485 towards a housing project in Coolock for the disabled; €200,000 for the Stardust victims' committee; €108,377 in extra funding for schools; and €30,000 for a community centre for Artane-Beaumont.

Also, 117 new employees have been hired for frontline health services in his Dublin North Central constituency since September, while 110 extra staff have been appointed at Beaumont hospital, Mr McGrath said.

He, and the other Independents who have drawn up a deal with the Government, Michael Lowry in Tipperary North, and Jackie Healy-Rae in Kerry South, meet with Government chief whip Tom Kitt on Tuesdays when the Dáil is sitting to discuss various issues.

A civil servant in the Department of the Taoiseach has also been assigned to liaise with these Independents.

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times