The Department of Defence has not replaced the only psychiatrist working in the Defence Forces Medical Corps since he left the job earlier this year, leaving a void in treatment for soldiers and sailors who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today said he hoped parades would mark the Easter Rising each year until the centenary in ten years’ time as 120,000 people thronged Dublin’s streets in tribute to those who fought and died for Irish freedom.

Tens of thousands of spectators lined the streets of Dublin toay as Ireland marked the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

Health Minister Micheal Martin faced renewed pressure to quit today as a new industrial dispute struck Ireland’s health service.