A month-long protest, fast and vigil by people demanding restoration of services to Monaghan General Hospital is being staged outside the Department of the Taoiseach in Dublin.
The vigil and fast on bread and water began yesterday at noon and will continue in 24-hour relays until October 28th.
The protesters are demanding the direct intervention of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to save the hospital from downgrading and eventual closure.
The Sinn Féin Cavan/Monaghan TD, Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the protest had been organised in response to the growing anger of people in Co Monaghan who were incensed at the continuing loss of services in their general hospital and frustrated at the total lack of Government response to their repeated representations.
"The situation has deteriorated rapidly this summer and ambulance personnel have been instructed to by-pass Monaghan Hospital with accident and emergency cases. This is despite the fact that Cavan and Drogheda hospitals, where the bulk of the Monaghan cases are transferred, are dangerously overcrowded," Mr Ó Caoláin said.
Hospital beds were lying idle at Monaghan General. Local people were seeing a once busy general hospital being reduced to the status of a day healthcare centre.
"This is a scandalous situation. The health of Monaghan people and their lives are at risk. They were demanding the full restoration of services and further development." he said.