Galway ambulance drivers protest against staff shortages

Ambulance drivers in Galway have begun an unofficial two-hour stoppage to protest against staff shortages.

The action was arranged to coincide with a visit to University College Hospital today by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney.

SIPTU has said that it cannot back the unofficial action, but recognises that the drivers have serious concerns that need to be resolved.

The union said services had expanded rapidly in the west of the country in recent years, but a cap on employment introduced by the Government means new recruits are not being hired to run the services.