Enda Kenny says the scandal of patients of trolleys is his biggest regret

The Taoiseach says recent high-profile cases involving elderly patients spending waiting on trolleys for lengthy periods are personally difficult for him.

Enda Kenny says the situation of many patients on hospital trolleys is his biggest regret of his five years in power - but he won't commit to ending the situation in a second term.

Taoiseach has refused to say if he would repeat his promise of 2007, to 'end the scandal of patients' on trolleys.

But asked if he would repeat his promise to eliminate trolley waiting lists for ever, he instead offered a different commitment.

"I don't like to have distressing stories in regard to health issues that arise occasionally, I find that difficult I have to say, and that’s why Minister Varadkar is tackling this in a really vigorous way now."