Almost 22,000 people over the age of 75 waited over 24 hours in an Emergency Department last year, according to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk. 

Over 196,000 patients over the age of 75 went to a HSE emergency department last year.

The Government’s target is for them to be admitted or discharged within six hours - but that was achieved in less than a third of cases.

Of the over-75s who waited over 24 hours in an ED, 2,719 were in University Hospital Limerick - the worst in the country.

It is only 12 more than Cork University Hospital, while St Vincent's in Dublin had over 2,500. 

D3625R accident and emergency sign at local hospital casualty department

Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients Association described the figures as “really shocking”. 

In a statement to Newstalk, the HSE said: 

“There are many reasons that result in longer wait times such as volume of patients presenting to the Emergency Department and the requirement to prioritise, treat and care for the sickest and older cohort of patients and those with life threatening illnesses. 

“This can mean that patients with less serious illnesses and conditions may need to wait longer for their treatment… As part of winter planning the HSE has developed comprehensive plans to support hospital and community services to respond to anticipated high levels of emergency attendances and admissions, long waiting times in Emergency Departments and pressure on hospital bed capacity.”