A Clare Fine Gael Senator has spoken out against plans to further reduced the budget in the health service.
In a leaked document, civil servants in the Department of Health have warned that patient safety will suffer as a result of cuts that would have to be made if it's to save over 200 million euro next year.
However, the Tanaiste insists the government is only examining its options.
In this document, outlined in today's irish Times, the Department of Health says the masures needed to save 213 million euro are draconian, and would seriously compromist patient safety.
290 inpatient beds would have to be closed, including 10 at University Hospital Limerick.
High-cost procedures would have to be reduced and some emergency departments, including Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinaslow and South Tipperary Hospital would have their opening hours cut.
However, Tanaiste Joan Burton insists officials are only showing the options available to the Health Minister Leo Varadkar.
Today's reports have led to fears amongst some people, and warnings from oncologist John Crown that it would glue up the system.
Fellow Senator, Shannon Fine Gael representative Tony Mulcahy, thinks these savings simply aren't possible.
Today's report comes after a week in which Health has dominated the headlines.
Leo Varadkar said his Department needs to be protected in the forthcoming budget, but was given a public rebuke for speaking out by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
