The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has deferred a work to rule by 30,000 nurses. 

The INMO said that they unanimously decided, following detailed consideration of expanded proposals on recruitment and retention of staff, to defer any industrial action. 

The planned strike action was due to commence next Tuesday, March 7, 2017.

They have decided that the current agreement is incapable of recognising, and responding, to the extent of the difficulties facing the health service at this time. 

The union will instead put a new deal reached with the HSE to its members with a recommendation to accept the proposal. 

Minister for Health Simon Harris has welcomed the decision and says he reiterates his commitment to further improve the Irish health service.

Mr Harris said "I welcome the deferral and respect the process the INMO is now undertaking to ballot its members and reiterate my commitment to working to invest in and further improve the Irish health service."

The INMO said that they will now put in place arrangements for this ballot, in workplaces across the country, with a view to having it completed by the end of March.