Harney: Mercy Hospital demands are 'excessive'

Health Minister Mary Harney has accused Cork's Mercy University Hospital of making unjustified demands for more funding.

Ms Harney has been reacting to the hospital's accusation that the HSE is putting budgets before patients.

The board of the hospital made the accusation as part of a row over staffing for its new A&E department.

It claims shortages mean there will be no A&E night cover at the hospital for the first time in 150 years.

However, Ms Harney says the extra money being sought is "excessive".

She says the hospital was planning to increase activity by 20% while seeking a staff increase of 50%.