Harney: Some A&E departments may have hours cut

The Health Minister Mary Harney has said no Accident and Emergency Department will be closed, but some face restrictions because of the working time directive.

The EU rules on the maximum number of hours that can be worked could result in doctor shortages, while it is feared HSE cutbacks could also hit services.

Around 1.2 million visits a year are made to Accident and Emergency Departments.

Minister Harney has told the Dáil she doesn't see any closure happening, though the hours they open "could be cut".