Optometry Ireland says the backlog is unacceptably high at over 42,000 patients.

The Fine Gael TD issued a statement this morning ahead of this afternoon's cabinet meeting.

A meeting was held last week with the Minister for Health.

Longford Councillor Peggy Nolan says the provision of just one extra bed is another example of the neglect the county faces

Currently the Longford Hospice service has one palliative care bed available with a long running campaign to extend the services.

Roger Murray, of Callan Tansey, says the government failed to accept a 2010 recommendation on periodic payments.

According to experts, controlling the virus at the early stages is vital for the responding authorities.

Two members of the board have expressed concerns to the Oireachtas Health Committee