The Irish Medical Organisation has said more detailed discussion is needed with health service employers in order to conclude an agreement in a new contract for hospital consultants.
After a two-and-a-half hour meeting in Dublin today, the IMO said that it endorsed the final report of the talks chairman Mark Connaughton.
The organisation's consultant leader, Sean Tierney, said doctors supported innovations such as an extended working day and a common waiting list.
At the weekend, the Irish Hospital Consultants' Association voted for a further period of intensive negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues of pay, working hours and limits on private practice.
The Minister for Health & Children, Mary Harney, has said the essence of the new contract is known and accepted by the Government and the HSE.
She said a short period of further dialogue will be needed to deal with a number of matters not yet agreed.
