Public health doctors who are central to the battle against Covid-19 have deferred strike action planned for later this month because of the "rapid and escalating" incidence of the virus.
The 60 doctors belonging to the Irish Medical Organisation had planned to strike on 14, 20 and 21 January in a dispute over pay and re-grading.
However, the union said the deferral had been approved on ethical grounds at a time of grave crisis – although the situation will be reviewed at the end of the month.
As they are not ranked at consultant grade, public health doctors earn up to 48% less than their hospital consultant colleagues.