Consultants defer work-to-rule ahead of further talks

Hospital consultants have decided to defer their work-to-rule following Mary Harney's invitation to meet them this Thursday.

The specialists have been refusing to carry out certain administrative duties for more than a month following the Minister for Health's decision to hire new consultants without agreement on a new contract.

The National Council of the Hospital Consultants' Association met this morning.

Spokesman Finbar Fitzpatrick said they hoped their decision would create a positive atmosphere and help all sides find a way to resume talks and find a formula for agreement.