Ahern admits re-evaluation of health service needed

The Taoiseach has said there must be "a complete re-evaluation" of the health service, including an extension of the core working day for consultants.

His comments come as junior doctors prepare to debate a timetable for strike action at the IMO conference in Killarney.

Mr Ahern said any overhaul of the service must be linked to the scale of the resources and must also cater for the needs of the ageing population.

However, the article made no mention of the issue of junior doctors' hours.