The HSE has directed hospitals and healthcare facilities to suspend parking charges for staff for the duration of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) health crisis.

HSE chief executive, Paul Reid, said that he has been "overwhelmed by the dedication, support and professionalism" that staff have shown in the fight against the virus.

"Therefore I have directed today that all hospitals and healthcare facilities suspend parking charges for staff for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, as a small mark of our gratitude for their efforts," he said.

In recent days, there had been reports of healthcare staff working overtime, only to come out and discover that their cars had been clamped.