TODAY'S threatened strike at Dublin hospitals and health centres has been called off following seven hours of talks at the Labour Relations Commission last night.
The settlement has averted major disruption to health services in the greater Dublin area.
A spokesman for management, Mr Gerard Barry, said "a satisfactory outcome to negotiations has been achieved. The major issues have been referred to the Pension Commission. But we have also been able to address some immediate issues raised by the union."
It is understood that among the concessions given to SIPTU, the union representing the 3,500 "non nursing grades" in Dublin hospitals and health centres, include extension of the pension scheme to cover part time workers, increased death in service benefit and a donation to the workers' benevolent fund.