A Monaghan councillor, and former member of the local health forum, says it is too difficult to access health services and has described waiting lists as "grossly unacceptable".
While Paudge Connolly acknowledged the range of services and the positive experience many have, he says "the problem is getting into the health service".
He added that we always hear about health services operating at "crisis mode" despite "all the changes in names and structures".
His comments come as the government approved the next steps for the implementation of six Regional Health Areas, with the national HSE structure being slimmed down.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Councillor Connolly said waiting lists for children's and mental health services "are at an appalling stage":
