However speaking at the Regional Hospital in Tullamore this morning Simon Harris says he's sent a very clear message to the HSE and his own department head that the issue must be resolved, adding they must do better.
Minister Harris, who is due to meet with the head of the HSE later today also rejected suggestions from doctors that the flu outbreak was not the main cause of overcrowding.
Dr Colm Henry, the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Acute Hospitals says older people with flu have to go to the Emergency Departments because they're so sick,
Meanwhile the number of people on trolleys in hospitals has fallen slightly from 602 to 578.
Limerick ED, which caters for North Tipp patients, still the worst affected with 60 people awaiting a bed.
Chronic congestion also remains at South Tipperary General with 38 patients on trolleys.
