Jack Chambers to update cabinet on steps to prevent massive public sector walkout

Jack Chambers is set to present a briefing to the cabinet on the government's intensive outreach to public-sector unions before a scheduled strike, which would involve nurses, consultants, teachers, special-needs assistants, firefighters, prison officers and dentists. He will highlight twelve meetings with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions during 2026 and two additional talks since the previous agreement lapsed in June, as well as two letters sent to unions in the last two weeks.

The forthcoming cabinet paper will detail anticipated impacts, including the cancellation of outpatient appointments, suspension of non-emergency medical procedures, and the shutdown of most educational institutions. Ministers will also be warned about broader economic effects, particularly on small businesses as parents may need to take leave. A statement is expected to express disappointment with unions’ continued refusal to negotiate and to reference Budget 2027 measures such as an income-tax package and a €1.2 billion allocation for a new deal. The government will indicate willingness to resume talks before the strike via the Workplace Relations Commission.