Senior HSE staff in charge of patient safety were told yesterday to reflect very seriously on their “appalling” track record.

Parents of children who developed a chronic sleep disorder after taking part in a State vaccination programme remained fearful last night that they could be forced to pay for out-of-pocket expenses despite reassurances from the HSE.

The family of Savita Halappanavar has put further pressure on the Indian government to encourage Ireland to open an independent inquiry into her death.

SIPTU yesterday demanded that the Government introduce tougher legislation or a code of practice to prevent shop stewards from being dismissed or facing recrimination for carrying out union work.

New methods for handling complaints against the health service and social service providers came into effect today.