A COMPLETE absence of standards and inspection in disability services in Ireland is similar to shortfalls in childcare, it was claimed yesterday.

New calls have been made for a change in legislation governing Irish nursing homes.

The Government must establish a national agency to co-ordinate radically-improved services for suicide – the biggest killer of 15 to 24 year-olds, it was claimed today.

UP to €100 million will be saved on Government medical costs annually following a decision to allow pharmacists prescribe cheaper over-the-counter drugs to medical card holders.

THE Department of Health's forthcoming crackdown on alcohol advertising was a "whitewash," an alcohol expert said yesterday.

Obesity levels among Irish people can lead to several forms of cancer here, a joint All-Ireland and US conference was told today.

GOVERNMENT plans to sell lands belonging to the State’s psychiatric institutions to fund mental health care were met with scepticism yesterday.