The Fianna Fáil leader, Micháel Martin, has accused the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, of a cynical attack on doctors and nurses.
It comes after Mr Varadkar suggested they should not be allowed to take time off over the busy Christmas period.
Opposition parties have called for him to apologise following the comments.
Mr Martin thinks the Taoiseach is trying to blame someone else for the Government's failures in the health service.
Advertisement
He said: "It was an outrageously cynical ploy by the Taoiseach to attack nurses and consultants around the Christmas break.
"He was deflecting and also trying to blame somebody else for his own failings and the failings of his government in not having a plan."
