According to the latest INMO figures, there are 14 people currently waiting in the Emergency Department in Sligo and 26 people waiting for a bed overall. Mullingar has 12 patients in its Emergency Department.

Forsa has organised the work-to-rule which affects all clerical and administrative staff in the health authority.

The service is seen as a crucial means of transport for those travelling to hospital and other medical appointments across the country. Over 600 such trips have been made so far.

The committee also heard eight consultants earned over half a million euro per year - with one earning over 970-thousand euro.

The upgrade at the Paediatric Outpatients and Physiotherapy Departments is aimed at providing a more relaxing environment for younger patients.

The HSE first announced the intention to dispose of surplus lands and buildings at the former psychiatric hospital in 2019.

In a statement to Shannonside Northern Sound this afternoon, The HSE has confirmed that residents from the affected ward will be temporarily relocated to another unit within the care centre.

The deputy claimed it is 'utterly unacceptable' that the HSE has not staffed the MRI scanner.