Health Minister defends appointment of Noel Daly to West North West Hospitals Group

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Health Minister has defended his decision to appoint Noel Daly as Chairperson of the West North-West Hospitals Group in 2012. Mr. Daly resigned from the voluntary role earlier this month following claims led by Sinn Fein of a conflict of interest. It has since been revealed that the former Chairman is a shareholder in a private healthcare company which carried out a survey of maternity services for the hospitals group. The CEO of the hospitals group has also admitted it broke National Financial Regulations in choosing Noel Daly's company to compile the controversial report on maternity services. The matter was raised in the Dail today where Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín O'Caolán questioned the Health Minister on the appointment of Mr. Daly. Speaking in response, the Minister said he made the appointment based on his knowledge of the health service. However he said he regretted that Mr. Daly didn't declare his shareholding in the company in question.