HSE reveals 'astronomical' rise in hoax ambulance calls

The number of hoax calls being made to the ambulance service has risen by 660% over the past six years.

Figures released by the HSE have been described by one Fine Gael TD as "astronomical" and "an epidemic".

Up to 4,329 hoax calls were recorded last year, compared to 655 in 2007.

Mayo Deputy, John O'Mahony, said the calls are "a grotesque waste of the emergency responders' time".