The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has agreed to enter talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) over working arrangements.
It comes after a meeting between the consultants’ body, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Secretary-General of the Department of Health this morning.
Health Minister James Reilly warned yesterday that he was losing patience with the process.
Dr. Reilly said yesterday that ‘vacillation’ by one of the consultants’ organisations would not be tolerated.
He had said that he would discuss his next course of action with the government and the Attorney-General.
The Health Minister added he has the full backing of the government to ‘expedite’ proceedings.
The matter was referred to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) after talks between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the consultants ended unsuccessfully.
The LRC talks are set to begin tonight.
Speaking to Lunchtime Newstalk’s Political Editor Shane Coleman says the discussions have a very strict deadline imposed.
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