Doctors returning to work today
Doctors were returning to work today after a 10-week strike over pay and conditions.
Some 270 public health doctors – who specialise in controlling infectious diseases – have been on strike and picketing health boards and hospitals since mid-April.
Last night the Irish Medical Organisation recommended a deal brokered by the Labour Relations Commission.
Doctors are being balloted on the offer over the next fortnight but are returning to work while awaiting the outcome of the vote.
Health minister Micheál Martin welcomed the decision by the doctors to resume their duties.
The development means the disease specialists will be available throughout the Special Olympics summer games, which open in Dublin tomorrow night.
Some 7,000 athletes from more than 160 countries are currently in Ireland for the event.
Fears had been expressed about the risk posed by delegations travelling from SARS-affected areas, but an initial travel ban was later lifted.
