The Labour Spokesperson on Health, Liz McManus, has called on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to personally intervene to solve the shortage of beds in some hospitals.
The call follows a protest yesterday about waiting times by relatives of patients outside the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
Ms McManus said the admission delays caused by a shortage of beds were 'a crisis'.
The Mater confirmed last night that 20 people were awaiting admission in its Accident and Emergency unit.
Hospital management said while it regretted the situation, it was part of an ongoing problem of bed shortages.
The hospital repeated calls for at least 100 extra beds to be opened.
