The Executive Council of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) confirmed today it will be referring matters in a dispute with the Health Service Executive to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

However, a planned work-to-rule next Tuesday by 30,000 nurses has not been deferred.

The INMO Executive Council also agreed at its meeting today that the outcome of talks will be considered at a further meeting which will take place next Saturday afternoon.

The dispute centres around issues affecting nursing and midwifery in the interests of patients and staff. 

Earlier this month, the INMO Executive Council rejected staffing, recruitment and retention proposals put forward by the HSE, calling them "totally inadequate."

The HSE earlier said that to date no letters have been issued to patients nor have any notices been given of any changes to procedures or appointments, in advance of the planned action by nurses next Tuesday.