Overcrowding in Dublin’s Beaumont hospital was not “a satisfactory position’’, Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil.

He said the problem had existed for many years and it was not until the current Government came to office that the number of patients on trolleys were counted on a daily basis.

He said a day ward at the hospital was being used to accommodate patients, particularly those waiting for more than 24 hours for admission.

“There has been the cancellation of elective surgery and notification to GPs and the public that the hospital is experiencing severe challenges and associated advice on alternative sources of care,’’ he added.

Mr Kenny said it was not a situation which one could call ideal.

“But, obviously, Beaumont is a hospital in point, where these particular problems have been arising for very many years,’’ he added.

“I do hope that the additional money allocated, the emergency forum being reconstituted will make an impact both now, before the end of this year and right through January.’’

The Taoiseach was replying to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who said about 20 people were being treated on chairs. People were left for up to 70 hours on trolleys in what was "an overcrowding crisis'' in the hospital.

“There are 39 more patients than there are beds there on an average night now,’’ he added.

He said the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation had called it a national emergency and asked that the crisis to be declared as such.

Mr Martin added the hospital's budget had been cut by €14 million and the seeds of the crisis sown by the Government. He said the Government should commit to providing the necessary funding to alleviate the situation.