The Irish Nurses Organisation has said the overcrowding problem in Irish hospitals is getting worse.
New figures from the INO show there were over 300 people waiting on trolleys in hospitals each day this month.
Family doctors say they have seen no improvement in A&E services since Mary Harney became Minister for Health.
The Health Service Executive says that improving emergency hospital services is one of its key priorities. It says it is determined to continue to work in partnership with all those who have a role to play in improving emergency services.
In a statement today the HSE said the recently opened emergency unit at St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin had generally enhanced the quality of care and treatment of patients at the hospital.
It also said that the newly opened 33-bed transit unit at the Mater Hospital in Dublin was already having a positive effect on reducing the number of patients awaiting admission.
