Martin to meet with health service unions

Union representatives will meet with Minister for Health Michael Martin later today to discuss continued cutbacks in the health service.

General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, David Beggs, along with representatives from SIPTU and the Irish Nurses' Organisation, will discuss the crisis with Micheal Martin.

Meanwhile, meetings between department officials, the Eastern Regional Health board and hospital representatives will go ahead today.

Discussions will centre around the latest bed closures.