HSE suggests closing A&E depts - Millions at risk over IT blunder

It may seem counter-intuitive that as 760 people languished on A&E trolleys this week HSE boss Paul Reid would suggest we have, at 29, too many emergency departments.

The Government will spend €80.4bn this year. More than a quarter — €21.33bn — is earmarked for social protection. Health, at €18.3bn, is the second-highest cost and, in a country of just under 5m people, seems as if it should be at least sufficient to avert the chaos seen this week. Mr Reid’s suggestion is matched by others calling for more beds and strengthened community care. Unfortunately, persistent mismanagement remains a major, unchanging factor too.