merrion street

“I want to thank all of our health care staff today. Workers across the health, emergency and social services are going above and beyond to keep us safe and well, and keep our vital health services going in very difficult conditions.

My Department and the HSE are working with other agencies as part of the National Emergency Coordination Committee, and will continue to do so in the coming days, to ensure our vulnerable citizens are cared for.

The HSE Severe Weather Plan is in place and at a local and national level health services are being impacted due to the severity of the weather conditions.

The advice from the HSE is that if you have a hospital, GP or health centre appointment today please contact the facility to ensure it is still taking place and do not make any unnecessary journeys.

The HSE is monitoring the situation on an hour by hour basis and all updated information can be found on www.hse.ie/weatherwarning.

I’d like to reassure people that the HSE will continue to do everything possible to maintain all essential services, particularly services to vulnerable people at home in the community.

Anybody attending our Emergency Departments can also be sure that they will receive the care they need.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to people to check in on your vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours to make sure they are well and warm."