Doctors' strike will go ahead on Tuesday, IMO insists

The Irish Medical Organisation says it is resigned to the Junior Doctors strike going ahead next Tuesday.

The IMO was responding to comments from the HSE today, suggesting the strike was avoidable.

The HSE wants doctors to return to the Labour Relations Commission to discuss a resolution of the dispute, which centres around working hours.

But the union says talks won't produce results as the two sides are still divided on a number of serious issues.

Eric Young of the IMO said "we have had many talks … but unfortunately the situation is now that we have to do something."

He said one major issue outstanding was the implementation of sanctions on hospitals which don't adhere to deadlines for reducing hours.