Consultants and non-consultant hospital doctor members of the Irish Medical Organisation have voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, in a dispute over pay parity for more recently appointed specialists and manpower shortages.
If follows a ballot of around 3,500 of its hospital doctor members.
94% voted in favour and 6% voted against.
However, the IMO has said that there will be no action over the Christmas period.
Any disruption will not occur until early next year at the earliest.
Minister for Health, Simon Harris and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe updated Cabinet today on plans to implement SláinteCare and consultants pay.
Both Ministers are expected to announce proposals in the coming days.
A key measure will be the introduction of a SláinteCare public only contract for new consultants.
