The Opposition has criticised the Government in the Dáil over the A&E crisis in hospitals following the admission by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, that it is a national emergency.
The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, accused the Government of making the admission not because it is taking responsibility, but because it is politically desperate and languishing in the polls.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said that in Dublin today 411 patients could be medically discharged but for many reasons could not go home.
Mr Ahern added that the Government is seeking the co-operation of more medical staff to work after 6.30pm.
