FG: 'Health Minister is running out of ideas'
Health Minister Mary Harney this afternoon ruled out both fines and separate facilities for drunk patients in A&E departments.
The Health Minister said a review of all recommendations on both issues had left her convinced it is not the solution to the problem of drink-fuelled violence in wards and waiting rooms.
Fine Gael health spokesman Dr Liam Twomey accused the Tánaiste of running out of ideas.
Mr Twomey said: “In regards to the hospital visiting hours which were discussed today, she said she would look into the matter and it might be a good idea.
“It would be more appropriate for the Minister for Health to tell us what she's going to do, and if she thinks visiting hours should be restricted, that's what she should be announcing.
“If she says she's going to be doing something with consultant's contracts, that’s what she should be announcing - not telling us that something is a good idea.”
