The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) has reacted with "disgust and sadness" to the refusal of the Mater Hospital of an offer of Portakabin's made by listeners to a radio show.
Dave Hughes, INO deputy general secretary
Following the INO's lunchtime protest at overcrowding in A&E departments, listeners to RTÉ radio's Livelineprogramme pledged support, including the fitting out and furnishing of three Portakabins, to provide extra room for patients.
However, Pat McLoughlin, head of the new HSE National Hospitals Office, said temporary buildings couldn't be put in place without planning permission and the approval of fire officers.
Dave Hughes, deputy general secretary of the INO, said: "The response of the Mater was little short of a disgrace but unfortunately is consistent with the Health Service Executive's inaction in the face of the ever increasing A&E crisis."
Mr Hughes added that the response from the public showed that the only ones who failed to recognise the current crisis was the Government and HSE management.
"Nurses very much welcomed the support of the public for the current Enough is Enoughcampaign. However, it must be sustained and get even bigger before the people who really can take action will ultimately admit that their present approach is a failure," Mr Hughes said.
The INO's Enough is Enoughcampaign will continue next Tuesday with lunchtime protests at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, and Limerick Regional Hospital.
According to the INO there were a total of 195 patients on trolleys today.