The Health Minister is describing as “utter nonsense” proposals to cut the vaccination programme for young children.

The proposal, is part of a leaked document from hospital service managers and also suggests a waiting list for some maternity services, caps on access to immunisation, and even the scaling back of services for victims of sexual abuse.

It also suggests that if the worst comes to the worst, some smaller hospitals, including the Louth County hospital may be closed.

James Reilly says although he can “never say never”, closing smaller hospitals is not on his agenda.

Reilly said: “There can never be a question of us ever capping vaccinations of children. This is just utter nonsense. Clearly these are the reflections of an individual, and are reflective of the seriousness fo the situation. But I can absolutely guarantee that there will be no interference with vaccine programmes which save lives and are one of the most cost-effective things we do in health.”