Ambulance strike averted after agreement

A threatened strike by ambulance personnel has been averted following the conclusion of an agreement in the early hours of this morning.

SIPTU officials and HSE management began talks yesterday in a bid to avert industrial action over the latter's decision to sign contracts with private operators for the provision of some services.

Ambulance staff said they feared it was the first step towards the full privatisation of ambulance services.

However, SIPTU says agreement was reached this morning on the use of private contractors and agency workers, as well as increased staffing levels for the ambulance service.