The continuing problem comes from a decision over a year ago to cut the number of operational beds due to persistent staff shortages.

The HSE has paid private recruitment firms over €15 million since 2020

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has warned of a growing crisis in the provision of mental health services in the West Dublin area

The plan will be triggered if more than 20 per cent of airport security staff are out of work with covid-19.

The union representing security staff at Dublin Airport have yet to comment on the matter.

PDFORRA's president Mark Keane said there are misgivings that of the Defence Forces are being used as cheap labour to address Dublin Airport's staffing crisis