Fast underway at Taoiseach's department

A 28-day bread and water fast has now officially begun outside the Department of the Taoiseach over the row at Monaghan general hospital.

Protestors are now demanding that the Taoiseach intervene to prevent it from being downgraded.

So far, the matrnity unit has been shut. This has meant that A&E cases are being diverted.

In addition, all gynaecological services have stopped.

Local Sinn Fein TD Caoimhin O'Caolain has now joined the demonstration outside the Department.