Clare's Independent TD has been appointed Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee.
Michael Harty's appointment was confirmed last night, even though the role had been granted to Fine Gael.
In a statement to Clare FM, the Kilmihil Doctor described that health is one of the greatest challenges facing our country at the present time.
Now head of the all-party health committee, Dr. Harty hopes it will play an important role in shaping policy and legislation that will positively impact on our health services in the coming years.
Health Minister Simon Harris has advocated a ten year health strategy, and Dr. Harty hopes that his new role, and the changed make-up of the Dáil, will allow the committee to influence government policy.
The appointment of Dr. Harty to the position has come even though the role of Health Chair had been granted to Fine Gael under the D'Hondt system used to hand out such roles on a cross-party basis.
