40 per cent the over 200 medicines currently out of stock were found to have just one supplier.

Stephen Black, a data scientist from Belfast, is basing his findings on the results of a major study.

Deputy Harkin is urging the Minister to open private hospitals to take the overflow.

Sligo hospital has seen huge overcrowding during the last year leading to over 34 consultants in the facility to write a letter to the Taoiseach expressing their concern

It will cater for suspected broken bones, wounds, minor burns and scalds among other services.

People may be waiting a number of hours for treatment.

Both Sligo and Galway University Hospitals are reporting heavy overcrowding today.

According to Councillor Byrne, the figures do not take into account the rescheduled procedures.