The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has reported that 94 percent of doctors, including consultants, non-consultant hospital doctors, and public and community health doctors in Ireland voted in a ballot, to endorse the use of industrial action in response to delays in agreeing on a new public sector pay deal. The proposed industrial action is set to commence on Wednesday 14 October 2026.

GPs, as independent contractors, are not part of this ballot or action.

Medical Protection has provided below some guidance on factors that members should consider, whether they are participating in this action or not.

We recognise and respect the strength of feeling this issue has provoked amongst members.

The Irish Medical Council’s (IMC) Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics [PDF] does not prevent you from taking part in industrial action, but should you receive a complaint you must be prepared to justify the decisions you have made.  

In the event of industrial action, if you are taking part, we encourage you to be satisfied that arrangements will be in place to care for patients, as per the IMO advice.

Should it become clear during any industrial action that patients are at risk in the local area due to inadequate medical cover and doctors are asked in good faith to return to work, you will need to give serious consideration to fulfilling this request as a failure to do so may result in criticism in the event the IMC decides to investigate your actions.

The Guide states:

“9.2  You should prioritise the safe medical care of patients and highlight concerns when lack of resources poses a risk to patient safety.” 

Those not involved in industrial action should ensure they are working within the limits of their competence. 

If you feel you are being asked to work outside of the limits of your competence, you should seek support from senior colleagues. In addition, it may be necessary to raise concerns, if you believe patient safety is being put at risk, in line with The Guide, which states: 

“3.1 You must raise concerns where you believe that patient safety or care is being compromised by the practice of colleagues, or by systems, policies and procedures in the organisations in which you work. Before doing so, you should consider seeking advice from an experienced colleague or from your medical indemnity organisation.

3.2 If your concerns are not resolved within the organisation, you should raise the issue with the relevant regulatory authority or through the applicable notification or disclosure pathways.

If you are participating in industrial action, it is important to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. This is likely to involve a safe handover of care to colleagues with sharing of relevant information.

Good communication with patients will be important: explain that things may run more slowly and reassure them, as they might be anxious if they are in hospital on a strike day.

You must make the care of your patients your first concern. We can offer advice and support with ethical issues that may arise from your professional practice, but you should contact your trade union to discuss queries relating to industrial action.