Ambulance workers have voted in favour of Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) proposals which will see 600 new staff employed.

The new investment package - which will also see compensation for loss of earnings - was proposed last month, leading to strike action being called off while union members were balloted on the measures.

SIPTU members of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have voted two-to-one in favour of the proposals.

The union's Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said: "In this vote our members have overwhelmingly backed proposals that will substantially address the under investment in our ambulance service and include the employment of 600 new workers.

“Our members are determined to ensure that the NAS and the Department of Health fully deliver on these proposals. While the agreement now requires considerable work to guarantee its full implementation we are confident that the way is now clear for our members in the NAS to engage with the employer on the issues of pay restoration, pay progression and pay justice."

He added that SIPTU intends to discuss the issues directly with Health Minister Simon Harris in the coming weeks.