Over 100 people took part in a protest outside Leinster House today over the conditions in the country's A&E departments.
The demonstration was organised by the patients group, Patients Together, and was supported by the Irish Nurses’ Organisation.
As part of the protest, the organisers had hoped that 495 people, the largest number of patients recorded lying on trolleys in one day, would lie down outside the Kildare Street entrance.
In response to the protest, a spokesperson for the Tánaiste and Minister for Health has said Mary Harney recognises that it is unacceptable for patients, particularly the elderly, to have to wait overnight on trolleys in A&E.
The spokesperson also said the government and HSE were applying all resources possible to improve conditions for everyone.
The Tánaiste's spokesperson said a hospital by hospital analysis of A&E structures was continuing across the country, in order to identify specific problems leading to long waiting times.
Solving the difficulties in A&E remains a priority for both the HSE and the Tánaiste, the spokesman said.
