TRADE unions representing nurses and orderlies in the psychiatric health sector are to ballot their members on industrial action following the collapse of talks with employers on a compensation scheme for workers assaulted by patients.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern attempted to spread blame for the €195 million PPARS debacle to the Opposition yesterday.

A FEW days ago, a play opened in Dublin based on hapless Hollywood comedy duo Laurel and Hardy.

THE Government’s health funding policies have again come under attack following the exposure of a litany of vital equipment failures and hygiene problems in Irish hospitals.

The Government has approved a major overhaul of the health service at today's Cabinet meeting.

THE country’s first health park — a US-style hospital featuring a nursing home and sports injury clinic — is to be built in Carlow at a cost of €100m.