Statement on the Resignation of David Begg as Chair of Mater

Labour Health spokesperson Marie Sherlock TD has said David Begg’s departure as Chair of the board of the Mater hospital marks a big loss to the Mater and to the wider health system. She also criticised the Minister of Health’s “showdown” approach to getting things done as all bluster and a failure to get to grips with the critical issues in the voluntary hospital.

Deputy Sherlock said:

“In his role as Chair of the Mater Hospital over the past six years, David Begg has overseen incredible work in expanding the hospital infrastructure, ensuring the Rock wing was built during the pandemic within budget and on time, and winning approval to establish the National Trauma Centre. He has also had to navigate an extremely serious financial situation, instigated by the HSE last year.

“David Begg and the very real issues in the Mater deserve better than the Minister’s “showdown” approach to getting things down. The pay and numbers/recruitment embargo and the backlog in cancer treatment services are issues that must be dealt with but the serious underlying financial deficit of the hospital cannot be ignored.”