Ireland’s first private A&E clinic opens in Dublin

The Tanaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney has officially opened Ireland's first private accident and emergency clinic in the Dundrum area of Dublin.

The centre will be run by the VHI in partnership with The Well, a private medical company based in the capital.

It will provide treatment to people with minor emergency injuries or illnesses, but will not provide the same level of service as regular hospital A&E units.

Visits will cost €85 and are not available to medical card holders.

Ms Harney has said he hopes the facility can help alleviate pressure on public hospital A&E departments.