Lenihan: We didn't force anyone to strike

The Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has warned public sector unions that their campaign of strikes will not help them to reach a deal aimed at preventing cuts to civil service pay.

He made the remarks in the Dail - after the Irish Congress of Trade Unions announced plans to hold a second day of strike action next Thursday.

Over a quarter of a million public servants engaged in today's strike - closing schools, and government offices, and causing hospitals to operate an emergency only service.

Minister Lenihan told the Dáil the campaign of strikes will do nothing to help them reach agreement ahead of the Budget.

"I do not believe that the action today in any way advances the possibility on finding a basis of agreement about managing the public service pay cost in this unprecedented economic crisis," said Lenihan.

"The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has stated that the Government has forced them to take this action.

"I regret to say that that is incorrect."