A & E nurses' action to go ahead

Despite last-minute appeals, nurses in Accident and Emergency units are to stop work for two hours from midday and are also implementing a work-to-rule.

The industrial action is being taken in a row about working conditions. Nurses say overcrowding in the units makes conditions dangerous for both the patients and themselves.

The Irish Nurses' Organisation's Liam Doran said his members are "tired of false promises and are only starting the action because they have been forced into it".

The Minister for Health, Micheal Martin, said he is very disappointed that the strike is going ahead.