Public sector walkout set to cancel up to 150,000 medical appointments

Public sector unions in Ireland plan a one-day work stoppage next Wednesday, involving more than 300,000 workers and resulting in the cancellation of up to 150,000 non-urgent medical appointments, including outpatient visits, elective surgeries and community clinics. While emergency care and GP services will remain operational, schools and other public services are slated to shut down. Union officials stress growing resentment over pay and inflation, hinting at possible escalation in November if talks do not commence soon.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin cited a €1.2 billion budget provision as a basis for negotiations, a figure unions deem insufficient. Senior government figures, including Mary Butler and Hildegarde Naughton, affirmed that contingency plans are in place and urged dialogue to resolve the dispute.