Leo Varadkar apologises for 'wrong' remarks on University Hospital Waterford mortuary controversy

The Taoiseach has offered an apology for his recent remarks regarding the mortuary services at University Hospital Waterford.

Four consultants had said dead bodies had been left decomposing on trolleys in the corridors of the hospital mortuary.

When the Taoiseach was asked about this on Tuesday, he described it as a “strange story” and said there wasn’t any evidence to back up the consultants’ claims.

But on Saturday afternoon Leo Varadkar said he had got it wrong.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a Healthy Ireland Campaign 2019 launch at Richmond Barracks, Inchicore, Dublin (Gareth Chaney Collins)

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar denies calling doctors who claimed dead bodies were 'decomposing in corridors' of Waterford hospital liars  

“Over the course of the week, corroborating statements have come to light and complaints have been made that I believe support the views expressed by the four consultants,” he said.

“This is one I got wrong.

“I want to apologise unreservedly to anyone who feels that I did not treat this issue with the seriousness or sensitivity it deserved.”

But the Fianna Fáil leader slammed the Taoiseach for taking so long to apologise.

Micheál Martin said: “He should have apologised before now. The evidence was there. He undermined the credibility of the medical profession.”

University Hospital Waterford (Google Maps)

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