Sinn Féin TDs boycott Dáil in support of striking staff

Sinn Féin TDs are to boycott today's Dáil sitting in support of the public sector workers who are picketing outside Leinster House.

The Taoiseach will give his reaction to the civil service strike later when he faces questions in the Dáil.

Some of Labour's staff - who are affiliated to the unions in dispute - are also on strike, but the party's TDs involved in parliamentary business will pass the picket to attend the Dáil.

Soldiers are on duty in Leinster House in place of ushers, who are on strike.