They have sought urgent meetings with the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen..

But Gingrich begged off at the last minute, citing urgent meetings on the budget and on Medicare.

Benito stood his ground, though, and told Vercelli that his day was filled with urgent meetings related to the investigation.

So far even British government health officials, who have summoned pharmaceutical bosses for urgent meetings, have had problems pinpointing the causes.

It is seeking urgent meetings with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Séamus Brennan, and the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT New Zealand Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass says the decision was made after urgent meetings were held between the two teams.

Urgent meetings are to begin between three Government Departments to establish procedures to implement the Cabinet decision to allow asylum-seekers to work in the State.