There has been a breakthrough tonight in the dispute between junior doctors and the HSE over working hours.

The Irish Medical Organization and the Health Service Executive have agreed to accept proposals put forward by the Labour Relations Commission.

Under the scheme - hospitals could face financial sanctions if they breach the working time directive for junior doctors.

From this January, no doctor will be allowed work more than 24 hours in a single shift.

If a junior doctor is forced to work longer - the hospital in question will be hit with a fine. However, this money will then be given back to the hospital in the future, if they are compliant - and therefore patient care will not be compromised.

Under these proposals - the junior doctor would not receive any additional payment for working over the 24 hour limit.

3,000 IMO Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors staged a one day strike earlier this month - in protest against excessive working hours.

The IMO says it will now ballot its members on these new proposals within the next week.