THE IRISH MEDICAL Organisation said in a statement today that they “will attend at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) with a view to hearing what the HSE has to say in respect of sanctions and other issues”.

A spokesperson for the IMO said:

I think yesterday’s Day of Action has demonstrated the huge level of public support for our campaign for safer hours for NCHDs and for patients.

The ball is now in their (HSE) court if they wish to avoid an escalation of the dispute.

Invitation to talks

The invitation to talks at the LRC followers a letter received by the IMO from the HSE accepting the need for sanctions to enforce rules on working hours.

The union’s committee met this morning to discuss the next stage of industrial action following yesterday’s 24-hour strike.

Following this morning’s meeting, the IMO said they agreed to attend at the LRC today at midday in order to hear the views of the HSE on this critical issue.

The strike action is over the working hours of junior doctors who want their working week reduced to 48 hours. They are also calling for an end to shifts that are more than 24 hours, as required by European law. They also want sanctions imposed on hospitals that impose these hours.

Yesterday’s strike by 3,000 non-consultant hospital doctors strike affected about 7,400 patients.

Read: IMO to consider invitation to talks at the LRC>

Read: Minister: Doctors dispute will not be resolved at the picket line>

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