HSE meets to approve tenders for 'co-location' plan

Health Service Executive's board of management is meeting today to approve tenders for the controversial move to build private health facilities on the grounds of public hospitals.

The so-called 'co-location' plan has met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, trade unions and health groups, who claim it will damage public hospital services and exacerbate the two-tier nature of Ireland's health system.

Sinn Féin is to planning a protest outside Dr Steven's Hospital in Dublin today while the HSE board is meeting inside to approve the tenders.

It says state land should be used solely for the public health system and not given away to private investors.