The Fine Gael spokesperson for Health, Ms Olivia Mitchell, has criticised the Government over the decision by the Western Health Board to lay off 200 staff.
The Board says it is taking the decision as a result of a Department of Health and Children directive.
"It is laughable for the minister to say the cutbacks will have no impact on patient services," said Ms Mitchell "you simply cannot have ad hoc unplanned cuts half way through the year and not produce a chaotic result."
The job cuts are to be in the clerical, administrative and management grades.
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"In July, the Board was informed that their target cutback was 85 jobs. Now they have been informed it is in fact €1.15m and the job figures were only indicative," said Ms Mitchell.