Cabinet asks Cowen for McCole report

THE Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, has been asked to report to the Taoiseach before next Tuesday on his investigation of the …

THE Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, has been asked to report to the Taoiseach before next Tuesday on his investigation of the legal strategy in the McCole case.

Mr Ahern has asked him to provide a report on his examination of the legal papers and to indicate when he will be in a position to outline who devised and authorised the strategy pursued in the first hepatitis C case.

The Taoiseach reported to yesterday's Cabinet meeting on his telephone conversations with the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, since the Orange march down the Garvaghy Road. Mr Ahern wants to see the balance towards the nationalist community redressed for the Ormeau Road march next weekend, according to a Government spokesman.

It was decided yesterday to set up a Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion and drugs. Its members will include the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.