Talks on nurses' dispute expected to last days

Nurses are expected to continue talks with the Health Service Executive for a number of days in an effort to resolve their dispute over pay and working hours.

The latest round of discussions began yesterday under the auspices of the National Implementation Body, which was set up under the social partnership process to oversee industrial peace.

The Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association have called off planned work stoppages this week to allow for the fresh talks.

However, members of both unions are continuing their work-to-rule action in hospitals nationwide.

The nurses say they are not overly optimistic about a favourable outcome, but will stick with the talks in an effort to make progress.