LRC to resume doctor strike talks

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Health Service Employers Agency (HSEA) are due to return to the Labour Relations Commission today in an effort to resolve the eight-week-old strike by public health doctors.

The two sides failed to reach agreement during talks last Friday, but some progress was reported.

Around 270 public health doctors went on strike in April in pursuit of improved pay and conditions.

They are seeking pay parity with hospital consultants and funding for a proper out-of-hours service.

The HSEA has reportedly tabled proposals in relation to the out-of-hours service and the implementation of the Brennan report on the future development of the public health service.

However, the employers have also rejected the IMO's pay claim out of hand, saying parity with consultants would be unattainable.

The striking doctors remain defiantand have vowed to stay on the picket line as long as it takes.