There are calls for the Health Minister Simon Harris to clarify reports that trauma care is to be removed from nine hospitals around the country.

The Sunday Business Post reports that plans are underway to centralise trauma care in better equipped emergency departments.

However, there are fears that it may result in people having to travel longer distances for treatment.

Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has hit out at the plans, saying what is really needed is more investment.

“These trauma centres are actually working at full capacity, so I don’t know the rational behind the decision,” said O’Brien.

“I’d like to see the rational behind it.

“I think Minister Harris needs to come out very clearly now and state whether this report is going to be followed through or implemented, and if it is he needs to start talking to people as quickly as possible in relation to it because it will not be acceptable.”