The Health Minister Leo Varadkar has warned hospital managers to "get a grip" on their budgets.

Mr Varadkar has revealed in the Dáil that in January and February this year our hospitals spent more money and hired more staff - but saw fewer patients.

Hospitals have a budget of €4bn for this year, with almost another €1bn coming from insurers.

They have overspent by 2 to 2.5% in the first two months of the year.

But over-spending in the first two months could see a bailout needed before the end of year.

Mr Varadkar says hospitals need to treat patients, but live within their means.

He says it cannot continue.