A Government Minister has described as 'disgusting' a suggestion that Minister for Health Mary Harney missed a Dáil debate on health because she was at the Super Bowl.
The debate, which is on a motion that is critical of Government policy on cystic fibrosis and mental health care, began last night and will conclude this evening.
Fine Gael Deputy Alan Shatter said it was regrettable that Ms Harney was not there and asked for confirmation that her absence was due to going to the American football event.
Junior Health Minister Jimmy Devins said Ms Harney was on a long-standing visit to the US.
He described Mr Shatter's implication as 'quite disgusting'.
Ms Harney's spokesman confirmed she attended the Super Bowl on Sunday.
He said she was on a week-long trip to study cancer and dentistry facilities.
