HSE defends its record on cybersecurity 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the country has been attacked and potential lawsuits are 'distasteful' at this time. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has criticised law firms that, he says, are "licking their lips" at the prospect of taking legal cases against the State as a result of the cyberattack on the HSE.

Fears about the potential release of patient data are growing amid media reports that sample screenshots and files have surfaced online.