The Interim Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Kevin Kelly, has said criticism of the agency's service plan for 2005 is premature.
Mr Kelly said it was still early days, and that this was the biggest change programme in the public sector which would take some years to complete. However, he said the conditions in Accident & Emergency units should see an improvement this year.
Mr Kelly said that while 2005 would see health services pegged at last year's levels, an extra €200 million had been provided for developments in A&E and disabilities this year. He said that around 1,200 extra jobs would arise over time due to these developments.
The HSE has promised to consult with health unions and others in preparing its corporate three-year plan, due to be completed by the summer.
INO lacks confidence in HSE plan
Earlier today, the Irish Nurses Organisation said it has no confidence that the HSE comprehends the problems in the health service.
Attending a meeting of health service unions and employers, the INO's Secretary General, Liam Doran, said the HSE's plan for this year was just a compilation of the plans devised by the former health boards.
The INO says around 300 people are on trolleys in Accident & Emergency units today awaiting admission to a bed.
The National Secretary of the trade union IMPACT, Kevin Callinan, predicted the health service would be in crisis later this year based on the HSE’s plan.
Representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation and SIPTU have also been attending today's meeting.
Nurses are due to begin a series of lunchtime protests next week outside hospitals over the A&E crisis.
