Almost 60 patients at Sligo's pain clinic have been sent to private hospitals for procedures.

It comes as recruitment to fill the two consultant post at the clinic is still ongoing - almost a year on from when the positions were initially vacated.

Shortlisting for the consultant position in pain services is said to be taking place this week.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Declan Bree says while there does finally seem to be some progress, its taking far too long to get the necessary people recruited.

All the while, Cllr Bree says many local people are suffering, a situation which is entirely unacceptable: