There is ‘no way’ the government will pay a ransom to the criminals who attacked the HSE computer network.
Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris, told OceanFM News the attack is ‘despicable and disgusting’ and the government will not be held hostage.
The disruption will mean numerous hospital appointments will be again cancelled next week at Sligo and Letterkenny University Hospitals.
A decryption code is being analysed this weekend to see if it can be safely used to regain access to patient data.
Minister Harris says the HSE are working around the clock the get systems back up and running.
He also says a hard line approach is needed in dealing with the criminals.