SF protests over private hospitals
Sinn Féin is staging a series of protests around the country against the government's proposals to build private hospitals in the grounds of public facilities.
The demonstrations are taking place at the sites where it is proposed the co-located hospitals will be built.
The party says it will reverse this policy if elected to Government.
"We've known for a very long time that we need approximately 3,000 extra beds - the government has known this for years. They've had ample opportunity to invest properly and to bring those beds on stream," said MEP Mary-Lou McDonald.
"What this initiative will do is further reinforce the division between public and private medicine in this country," she said.
