Public sector unions to step up industrial action 'within weeks'

Public service unions are warning they will escalate their campaign of action "within weeks".

A mass meeting attended by more than 400 public servants in Galway last night heard that pressure on Government regarding budgetary pay cuts will continue until their voices are heard.

However Liam Doran from the Irish Nurses Organisation has said that although action - up to and including withdrawal of labour is being considered - the Government can step in to prevent it.