Mater remains tight-lipped about reported lay-offs

Dublin's Mater Hospital has refused to comment on reports that it is planning to lay off temporary workers due to financial constraints.

The hospital is also reportedly planning to leave vacancies unfilled and to stop providing cover for sick leave and maternity leave in an effort to avoid a possible €25m budget deficit this year.

Last week, the Mater closed its 22-bed five-day ward and hospital managers reportedly told staff today that at least 50 more beds will be closed.

The hospital, one of the biggest in Ireland, is also planning to reduce its workload by 10%, while further ward closures are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Opposition politicians have urged Health Minister Micheal Martin to intervene in the crisis to ensure that patients do not suffer or die because of the financial situation.