The Taoiseach has accepted that some Accident and Emergency departments are 'not up to scratch' and said he accepts the frustration of the nursing staff in particular.
He was responding in the Dáil to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who said it was 'truly disgraceful that in a country that is rolling in money' that nurses had to take to the streets to protest at conditions.
Deputy Kenny said that 18 months ago the Department had closed down contracted beds, and now it was opening more up as if this was a solution to the situation.
He also asked the Taoiseach for his personal view on how to deal with the hundreds of drunks who turn up at A&E departments.
Mr Ahern accepted that people who were drunk caused serious difficulties, especially for older patients, but they could not be turned away.
Nurses' protests begin
A series of protests by the Irish Nurses’ Organisation began outside hospitals around the country earlier today.
The protests are part of a campaign by the INO to highlight the overcrowding problem in hospitals, despite the Minister for Health Mary Harney's promises that the situation would improve by March.
Today's protests began at lunchtime outside the Mater Hospital in Dublin, Cork University Hospital and Roscommon General Hospital.
On Thursday protests will take place at Dublin's Tallaght Hospital, Cavan General and Mayo General Hospital.
Patients Together, the lobby group for patients’ rights, says it fully supports the action being taken by frustrated staff.
Yesterday, the Health Service Executive said it had received funding to provide 400 Home Care Packages, which should contribute significantly to reducing pressure on hospital A&E departments.
The HSE says under the Tánaiste's Ten Point Plan, the difficulties will ease within weeks.
