IMO confirms that pickets will be attended by doctors at over 30 locations across the country  

Doctors will prioritise patient safety during today’s action 

Doctors do not wish to be in this position and call on Government to start meaningful talks as a matter of urgency to prevent further disruption to services 

 

Wednesday 14th October 2026.   

The Irish Medical Organisation has issued the following statement at the commencement of the industrial action across the public sector this morning (Wednesday). 

The IMO confirms that pickets will be in place today at over 30 hospital locations across the country in support of the industrial action taking place across the public sector.   

Doctors who are supporting today’s action are extremely mindful of the challenges the disruption will mean for patients.  In preparing to support this action, the Irish Medical Organisation has prioritised patient safety and has taken steps to minimise the impact of the action on patients across the health services and particularly on users of Emergency Departments.  

It is hugely regrettable that public sector employees have been pushed into supporting this day of action.  But this is not a crisis of our making.  Responsibility for the matter lies with the Government and we urge the Government to take steps urgently to open talks with to resolve this issue and save the public from any further disruption in the coming weeks.