The Taoiseach has intervened in the junior doctor strike by urging them to return to talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).

3,000 non-consultant hospital doctors have withdrawn their services today in a dispute over long working hours, resulting in the cancellation of 15,000 appointments and surgeries.

Junior doctors want hospitals to implement the European Union (EU) Working Time Directive and end the practice of shifts of longer than 24 hours.

Mayo General Hospital picket

Speaking in the Dail the Taoiseach Enda Kenny intervened. He blamed Fianna Fáil for the on-going difficulties with working hours for junior doctors.

Enda Kenny said the previous government had 11 years to impose the EU rules on working hours but failed to do so. He said he regrets the strike being undertaken, and is calling on the Irish Medical Organisation to go back to the Labour Relations Commission to end the dispute.

However the IMO refuses to return to talks and says it will consider escalating the industrial action further next week. Spokesperson Eric Young says they are weighing up their options.

Doctors from Cavan General Hospital

"Rolling action will typically involve a strike across the four HSE regions, where a number of hospitals will have a strike for one day" he said.

"Two day strike is an option that we're considering as well. If we do go for a two day option, it will most likely be sometime next week".

Our Ladys Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin

Speaking earlier this morning, Mr. Young said his members did not want to take this action. While these other doctors on-strike explained why they took these measures.