HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin has rejected claims by the Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) that he deliberately massaged bed closure figures.

THE country’s largest nursing union yesterday passed an emergency motion pledging support for the striking public health doctors.

The Irish Nurses Organisation has decided to take its claim for a 35-hour working week to the Labour Relations Commission.

The Irish Nurses Organisation has threatened industrial action unless its members receive pay parity with other health professionals.