The zero increase in cigarette tax has left cigarettes here cheaper than in Britain, it was claimed tonight.

The chronic overcrowding plaguing the country’s hospitals will not be solved with private care units providing beds for the public, it was claimed today.

Motorists were warned today about the dangers of speeding and driving under the influence of drink and drugs over the Bank Holiday.

MIDDLE-CLASS parents are being left out of the loop again under Department of Health proposals to allow families write off childcare costs when applying for medical cards.

The newly-elected president of the Irish Medical Organisation has described Ireland's accident and emergency services as shambolic.

The health service needs 15,000 extra acute beds, the Irish Medical Organisation claimed today.

DOCTORS have called for clear guidelines before plans to allow public hearings into complaints against them pass into law.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern will seek to quell simmering tensions over the controversial Hanly report at today’s Fianna Fáil parliamentary party and Cabinet meetings.