The Irish Hospital Consultants Association has voted by a majority of eight to one for industrial action in the dispute over medical malpractice cover for doctors.
The action is due to commence on 14 March and will involve public and private hospitals.
The organisation is due to meet with health service employers on Thursday to discuss the arrangements for emergency cover.
Consultants want the Department of Health and Children to give legally binding assurances that neither patients nor consultants will be exposed in the event of the insurer, the Medical Defence Union, not meeting its obligations.
The IMO and the IHCA have said they will seek legal advice on correspondence received this evening, on behalf of the Government, giving assurances that no consultant will be left without cover and no patient exposed as a result of the difficulties over medical indemnity cover.
It was confirmed earlier that the Cabinet had endorsed the commitment given by Tánaiste Mary Harney to medical organisations to that effect.
Earlier this month, the Irish Medical Organisation voted by over eight to one in favour of strike action.
