Martin appeals for end to doctors’ industrial action

THE GOVERNMENT last night said it will not intervene in a junior doctors’ dispute which threatens up to 450 planned operations as well as 1,000 outpatient appointments in two hospitals this week.

Health Minister Micheal Martin said he will not be intervening in industrial action at Waterford Regional Hospital and Tullamore. He urged the Irish Medical Organisation, which represents non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs), to go back to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for talks.

"I've asked the LRC to reconvene the talks and I've asked that all parties attend. It is the only way that we will restore services. There have been significant changes in the level of pay for junior doctors as well as changes to their allowances.