A leading doctor has warned the Government that future generations will accuse it of ignoring A&E overcrowding “abuse” in the same way as “clerical sex abuse, the Tuam babies and Magdalene Laundry scandals” unless they immediately tackle the crisis.

Health Minister Simon Harris described a critical UN report on Ireland’s abortion laws as “deeply upsetting” — but was firm on his party’s view that no referendum will take place before a citizens’ assembly on the issue.

Doctors have accused the Government of stripping sick, elderly and disabled patients of medical cards to fund its ambitious plan to extend free GP care to children under the age of six.