Disruptive action at the country's airports and in the public transport sector will damage Ireland's tourism industry and put the welfare of many employed in the sector at risk.

PUBLIC transport services will grind to a halt from midnight on St Patrick's Day after SIPTU members of CIÉ announced a 24-hour strike last night.

THE Aer Rianta strike aimed at disrupting the visit of EU Justice Ministers here on Thursday is likely to go ahead unless workers get a firm commitment on job security today from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.