Consultants' union considers strike action

A union representing hospital consultants is to hold a special meeting later to discuss possible industrial action.

The Irish Hospital Consultants' Association are expected to support a ballot for strike action made by members of the Irish Medical Organisation in the row over medical insurance.

The row between consultants' unions and the government has been ongoing for almost a year. It centres on medical malpractice cover, and who should pay for compensation cases brought against consultants by past patients.

Last year, the State took over the management of medical insurance from the UK firm Medical Defence Union.

But both say that responsibility for past claims isn't theirs.

With 25 consultants facing lawsuits with no insurance, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action on Friday.

Today, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association will decide whether to join them.

Up to 50,000 patients a week would be affected if planned strike action goes ahead from next month.